West Sumatra, widely known as Ranah Minang, is strengthening its reputation as one of Indonesia’s top Muslim-friendly travel destinations. According to the Indonesia Muslim Travel Index (IMTI) 2025, the province has shown remarkable progress compared to its 2023 performance, making it even more appealing for domestic and international Muslim travelers.
A Stronger Position in Indonesia Muslim Travel Index
The IMTI 2025 assessment highlights how West Sumatra’s tourism sector has improved not only in basic attributes such as accessibility and hospitality but also in creating meaningful travel experiences for visitors.
R. Wisnu Rahtomo, Chairman of IMTI 2025 from the Enhaii Halal Tourism Center (EHTC) at Bandung’s NHI Tourism Polytechnic, explained that the evaluation looks at four key aspects: access, communication, environment, and service. West Sumatra has made significant strides across all these areas, helping position the province as a benchmark for Muslim-friendly tourism in Indonesia.
Accessible and Comfortable for Muslim Travelers
For Muslim travelers, comfort often comes from how easy it is to access essential facilities. In West Sumatra, transport is becoming increasingly traveler-friendly, while prayer facilities are kept clean and well-maintained.
Visitors can also find reliable information about halal restaurants, prayer schedules, and travel guides in multiple languages. This makes it easier for international tourists to enjoy their journey without worrying about dietary or religious needs. Hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies in the region are also stepping up their professionalism to serve Muslim travelers with greater care.
More Than Just a Muslim-Majority Province
While it’s true that around 98 percent of West Sumatra’s population is Muslim, making it naturally welcoming, officials emphasize the importance of official standards like IMTI for international recognition.
Luhur Budianda, Head of the West Sumatra Tourism Office, noted that being a Muslim-friendly destination is more than just about demographics. “Self-declare is one thing, but gaining national and global acknowledgment requires clear benchmarks,” he said, as reported by Antara.
Culinary and Cultural Strengths of Ranah Minang
One of West Sumatra’s biggest assets in attracting tourists lies in its unique culinary and cultural heritage. The world-famous rendang, often crowned as one of the best dishes globally, is a strong symbol of halal dining in the region. Beyond food, travelers are drawn to the province’s blend of spiritual sites and cultural traditions deeply rooted in daily community life.
Back in 2023, West Sumatra ranked third among Indonesia’s Muslim-friendly destinations, just below Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara and Aceh. With the latest IMTI 2025 assessment, the province is optimistic about climbing even higher.
Looking Ahead: A Destination with Global Appeal
The local government hopes that continuous improvements in infrastructure and services will make West Sumatra not just a national leader but also a global magnet for Muslim-friendly travel.
“The IMTI visit to Ranah Minang is vital to reinforce West Sumatra’s position as a top Muslim-friendly destination in Indonesia,” concluded Luhur.
With its rich mix of halal cuisine, accessible facilities, and cultural depth, West Sumatra is well on its way to becoming one of the world’s most attractive destinations for Muslim travelers.
