Indonesia Pushes Shopping Tourism as New Growth Engine

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is pushing domestic trade transformation by developing shopping tourism. The government sees shopping tourism as a potential new growth engine.

Coordinating Minister for Economy, Airlangga Hartarto, highlighted the opportunity during the opening of Indonesia Retail Summit & Expo (IRSE) 2026 in Jakarta, Wednesday, August 26, 2026. He said tourists commonly spend on culinary experiences and shopping during trips.

“We need to encourage the toursts to go shopping in Indonesia,” he said. He added that the government expects shopping tourism as a new growth driver.

In a written statement, the Ministry recorded that foreign tourist arrivals reached 7.45 million during January-June 2026. The figure represented a 5.71 percent year-on-year increase during that period.

Domestic tourist trips reached 630.41 million during the same period. They also grew 2.71 percent year-on-year, according to government data.

Indonesia also has substantial spending potential from citizens traveling overseas. Bank Indonesia recorded 4.46 million overseas trips during the first semester.

Those travelers spent approximately 6.7 billion US dollars on tourism services abroad. The government therefore sees significant room for stronger domestic shopping attractions.

The government also wants retail networks expanded into rural communities. Red-White Village Cooperatives are expected to support wider retail access nationwide.

President-driven policy encourages retail businesses to serve communities beyond major cities. The cooperatives can also market agricultural and fisheries products locally.

The government is further promoting stronger links between retail and domestic production. Digital payments are also supporting a more integrated and inclusive trading ecosystem.