Heaptalk, Jakarta — The Alliance of The Indonesian Tour & Travel Agencies (AITTA) officially appointed Djohari Somad as Chairman of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) for the 2025–2029 term through acclamation during its Regional Conference (Musda) held at Vertu Harmoni Jakarta on Monday, April 21, 2025.
Djohari Somad replaces Hasiyanna S Ashadi, who have served as DPD Chairman for three consecutive period. Musda was attended by Head of Tourism Industry at Jakarta’s Tourism and Creative Economy Department (Disparekraf), Iffan; AITTA Central Executive Board (DPP) Chairman Artha Hanif; outgoing DPD Chair Hasiyanna S Ashadi; and dozens of travel agents.
In his inaugural speech, Djohari outlined three key focuses for AITTA, which he summarized as the “Three ‘B’ “: Bersatu (Unity), Bergerak (Movement), and Berdampak (Impactful).
“Unity means not only supporting big travel agents such as at travel fairs while the small ones are left out as mere spectators. We must collaborate equally—no discrimination,” said Djohari.
He went on to explain the importance of movement, emphasizing that economic uncertainties and government budget efficiencies have created challenges for many travel agents. Lastly, impact means ensuring that AITTA’s activities create positive contributions to the tourism industry and its members.
In addition to the election of the new regional chairman, AITTA also used the event to formalize its rebranding from ASITA 1971 to AITTA. Artha Hanif, Chairman of AITTA’s Central Executive Board (DPP), said the change represents a modernization effort to reflect the evolving global tourism industry.
“Thank God, the dualism within ASITA has ended with today’s transformation. We encourage regional councils (DPDs) to maintain strong communication with the central board (DPP), as we have various initiatives and funding support to advance Jakarta’s tourism. We also hope regional AITTA members nationwide actively collaborate with local governments and other associations. There’s no benefit in being divided,” said Artha.
He added that 18 regional councils have already been established under AITTA across Indonesia. Different from before Central Java and Yogyakarta now operate their own separate councils.
“The number of DPDs will continue to grow. West Sumatra is set to form one on April 24, Riau is finalizing its leadership structure, and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) will follow. Based on recent updates, we expect five more councils to be established within the next two weeks. This shows that with our declaration, we are moving forward without using the ASITA name,” Artha concluded.
Attending the agenda, Iffan, Head of Tourism Field, Disparekraf of Jakarta highlighted the importance of AITTA’s role in supporting Jakarta’s tourism sector.
“The key is collaboration and synergy. Without support from travel agents, the Jakarta provincial government’s programs wouldn’t be possible,” said Iffan.
He hopes that AITTA would align some of its upcoming programs with the Jakarta government, particularly in preparation for the city’s 500th anniversary celebration in three years ahead.
Furthermore, Iffan acknowledged the potential for increased international tourist arrivals in Jakarta through strategic collaboration.
“The AITTA chairman also mentioned plans to hold a famtrip to Bosnia, which presents a great opportunity to attract international visitors to Jakarta,” he added.
