The Central Executive Board of Real Estate Indonesia (DPP REI) has nominated property executive Rusmin Lawin as Second Deputy Minister of Tourism in November 2026 to accelerate foreign direct investment and infrastructure development across the Sumatra region.
The nomination aims to spur investment in strategic tourism projects and Special Economic Zones (KEK) across western Indonesia, integrating property development with national tourism policies to unlock underdeveloped destinations.
Rusmin Lawin’s Experience and International Roles
Rusmin Lawin currently serves as Vice Chairman for Foreign Relations at DPP REI. He possesses over 25 years of experience in the property industry and international real estate. From 2022 to 2026, he held
the position of FIABCI Asia-Pacific Regional President and has been a member of the FIABCI International Board since 2017.
His international credentials include representing FIABCI at United Nations offices in Vienna and Geneva. Rusmin acts as a Global Advisor to Fundacion Metropoli in Madrid, the Syndicat National des Professionnels Immobiliers in Paris, and the Middle East Cities Center in Dubai.
Domestically, he served as Expert Staff to the Nusantara Capital Authority leadership from 2023 to 2025 and led investment promotion missions across 32 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. He received the Global Iconic Real Estate Leader Award in Dubai in
September 2026 and the Asia Influential Leader Award in Kuala Lumpur in October 2026.
Integrated Development Strategy for Tourism Sector Growth
The acceleration of Indonesia’s national tourism sector requires combining integrated area development with property provision and large-scale funding from abroad. This development extends beyond promotional campaigns to include the construction of international-standard resorts and hotels.
DPP REI stresses that effective growth relies on physical infrastructure and coordinated investment strategies across tourism and property sectors.
Focus on Western Indonesia Destinations
The proposal highlights the need for government leadership to support destinations in western Indonesia, particularly the Mandeh area and the Mentawai Islands in West Sumatra. These areas have been identified as priority
targets for structuring integrated tourism and property development.
Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana and Deputy Minister Niluh Puspa currently lead the Ministry of Tourism, with Rusmin Lawin’s appointment projected to complement their efforts by leveraging his access to global investment networks.
Calls for Coordinated Action from BPO DPP REI
Bally Saputra Dt Jano Sati, Secretary of BPO DPP REI, emphasized the necessity for concrete steps combining integrated development, property provision, and foreign funding. He stated, “Acceleration in the national tourism sector currently requires concrete steps, especially those combining integrated area development, supporting property provision, and large-scale funding from abroad.”
Bally added, “The government needs a figure who has access
to global investor networks to assist the minister, particularly in accelerating the structuring of destinations in western Indonesia, such as the Mandeh area and the Mentawai Islands in West Sumatra.”
Strategic Context: Special Economic Zones and Blue Economy Corridor
The proposal aligns with broader efforts to develop Special Economic Zones (KEK) as centers for strategic tourism and property investment. These zones aim to attract international capital and support large-scale infrastructure projects.
Rusmin Lawin has focused on diplomatic initiatives within the Blue Economy Corridor, a maritime economic integration framework linking western Indonesia with Asia-Pacific and Central Asia markets, further promoting economic and tourism development in these regions.
