Jakarta, Nov. 8 -- Indonesians working in the tourism industry are foreign exchange heroes whose contributions help strengthen the country's reserves, Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Luh Puspa said on Sunday.

"I view fellow citizens working in the tourism industry as foreign exchange heroes because tourism generates foreign exchange earnings.

These professionals can help strengthen our foreign exchange reserves," she said in Jakarta.

Speaking after attending a fun walk with alumni of the Bandung Tourism Polytechnic (NHI), Puspa recalled visiting various destinations across Indonesia, including tourism villages.

She said the visits allowed her to witness firsthand how tourism workers and local communities develop their regions' potential. ...