With profound sadness, Bali Update has learned of the death of a pioneering hero of modern Indonesian tourism – Wuryastuti Suario, who died just before dawn at age 84 at her home in Jakarta on Saturday, 29 March 2025.
A dedicated professional, “Tuti” Sunario worked for more than a half-century in public service, government tourism promotion, travel trade show planning, tourism administration, and travel journalism.
Distinguished Lineage
Born in Salatiga, Central Java, on 06 November 1940, Tuti was one of five siblings born to Sunario Sastrowardoyo (1902-1997) and Dina Maranta Pantauw.
Sunario served as Indonesia’s 7th Foreign Minister (1953-1955) and was an administrator for Perhimpoenan Indonesia while pursuing tertiary education in Holland. An outspoken anti-colonialist, Sunario worked as a formulator for Jong Indonesia, serving as legal counsel for the Kongress Pemuda, at which the historic Sumpah Pemuda (Youth Pledge) was proclaimed on 28 October 1928. The pledge boldly envisioned Indonesian independence under the banners of one motherland, one nation, and one unifying language.
Tuti’s Father, Sunario Sastrowardoyo, was a leading figure in the early battle for Indonesian independence and the following seminal steps at nation-building. He served in several public service roles, including Indonesia’s Ambassador to Great Britain (1956-1961).
Wurastuti Sunariio
Like her Father, Tuti Sunario secured an impressive academic pedigree before embarking on a dedicated life of public service. While living in the UK, she won GCE Advanced Level Certification from Oxford University in English, Literature, French, and German Language and Literature. In 1959, Tuti secured a general degree in English, French, and German literature from the University of Reading, Berkshire (UK). Returning to Indonesia in 1962, Tuti Sunarion earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Padjadjaran University (Bandung) in English Language and Literature.
After completing her formal education, Tuti joined the United Nations Development Progam Office (UNDP) (1962-1965) as an Administrative Assistant Officer, interpreter, and liaison officer with various Indonesian Government Agencies. In 1966, during a tumultuous period in Indonesia’s political history, Tuti shifted to the private sector, working as a Tour Manager for Marintours. While working as a Tour Manager from 1968 until 1970, she became Executive Director of the Indonesian Tours & Travel Association.
After lecturing briefly in the Tourism Faculty of her alma mater – Padjadjaran University– Tuti commenced a lifelong public sector career in national tourism working as:
- (1974-197 as Head of Sub-Directorate of Public Relations and Domestic Promotions, Directorate of Marketing, Directorate General of Tourism.
- (1977-197) Marketing Manager, Indonesia Tourist Promotion Office (ITPO) in San Francisco, USA.
- (1978 – 1993) Transferred to Singapore to open the first Indonesia Tourist Promotion Office ITPO for ASEAN and Hong Kong. Initially appointed as Marketing Manager, she was later confirmed as ITPO Director. During her 15 years in Singapore, Tuti Sunario worked tirelessly to make Indonesia a global tourism destination, cultivating Singapore to become the top market for Indonesia. Closely involved with the opening up of Batam and Bintan in the Riau Islands, she lobbied to establish direct air links from Singapore to Manado and Lombok.
- (1993-1998) Named Managing Director of The Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board (ITPB), a joint public-private sector organization based in Jakarta that was established to promote Indonesia internationally.
- (1994-98)): Chairperson of five separate “Pasar Wisata” or Tourism Indonesia Mart and Expo (TIME) events focussing on promoting areas beyond Bali.
In her retirement years, Tuti Sunario worked briefly in July 2009 as a Consultant with the Swisscontact WISATA Project in West Flores, commissioned by the Swiss Government SECO. From August 2009, Tuti served as Chairperson of “Care Tourism,” a tourism watchdog organization, for one year.
Starting in February 1999, edited and published “Indonesia Digest”– a weekly current affairs bulletin covering political affairs, legal, economic, environmental, and tourism development in Indonesia while curating the English Edition of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Website.
1994-1998: Chairperson of five separate “Pasar Wisata” or Tourism Indonesia Mart and Expo (TIME) Events, the focal point for promoting other areas beyond Bali. She also initiated annual Food Festivals in Jakarta and Bali.
Wuryastuti Sunari was a member of the ASEAN Travel & Tourism Hall of Fame
Burial is set for Sunday, 30 March 2025, in the Christian Section of TPU Tanah Kusir.
R.I.P.
Wuryastuti Sunario
Born: Salatiga, Central Java – 06 November 1940
Died: Jakarta – 29 March 2025
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