Lawmaker Urges Review of Foreign Tourist Targets Amid Global Tensions

RRI.CO.ID, Lampung - A lawmaker from Commission VII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Putra Nababan, has urged the Ministry of Tourism to immediately adjust its foreign tourist targets in response to rising global geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East.

During a recess visit to Lampung on April 23, Putra assessed the tourism sector and noted that global geopolitical conditions have affected Indonesia’s tourism industry, particularly the decline in European visitors, a segment long considered a “high-value” market.

“We must be realistic. Current global geopolitical conditions are not favorable for tourism. If the European market is disrupted, we must optimize other markets such as Asia, Australia, and New Zealand,” he said on Friday, April 24, 2026.

Putra explained that European tourists typically stay longer and spend more, so a decline in this segment could reduce foreign-exchange earnings.

He argued that shifting the focus of foreign tourist targets is a strategic step to maintain stability amid global uncertainty, adding that Indonesia’s strategic, safe, and convenient location should drive tourism-based economic growth.

“The country needs fresh sources of foreign exchange. Tourism should be the main engine of growth in today’s uncertain global situation,” he said.

Putra also urged the government not to delay policymaking, stressing the need to implement incentives for foreign tourists immediately to mitigate the impact of global economic pressures.

“The government must act quickly so we don’t lose momentum. Indonesia must remain a competitive, safe, and convenient destination for visitors,” said the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) legislator.

In a previous working meeting with the Ministry of Tourism, Putra proposed a more aggressive visa-free policy by categorizing foreign tourists into two groups.

The first category includes tourists from developed countries such as Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, who prioritize comfort. For them, ease of administration and fast processing are more important than visa costs.

The second category consists of price-sensitive tourists, particularly from China and India, who represent a large potential market but are highly concerned about additional costs such as the Visa on Arrival (VoA).

“Providing visa-free facilities is a win-win solution. We would attract tourists seeking comfort as well as those seeking cost efficiency. As a result, visits would increase, and foreign exchange earnings would grow,” he said. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)