Jakarta Positioned as Holiday Destination During Nyepi and Eid

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Tourism is working to rebrand Jakarta as more than just a bustling capital of commerce, aiming to highlight the city as a vibrant holiday destination during the upcoming Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr 2026 holiday season.

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana underscored the appeal of staying local rather than traveling abroad. “There’s no need to go overseas -- explore Indonesia, especially Jakarta. The city offers many excellent and educational attractions,” she said during a visit to the National Museum on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Minister Widiyanti pointed to several family-friendly and educational destinations, including the Museum of National Awakening, the National Gallery, and the National Museum of Indonesia (MNI). The Museum of National Awakening showcases collections from the former School tot Opleiding van Inlandsche Artsen (STOVIA) medical school, which played a pivotal role in nurturing intellectuals of the nationalist movement, including the founders of Budi Utomo.

For art enthusiasts, the National Gallery offers a wide range of works from modern to contemporary styles. Meanwhile, the National Museum houses Indonesia’s historical treasures, including the fossil of Java Man (Homo erectus), discovered by Dutch military doctor Eugene Dubois in Ngawi in the 1890s.

Deputy Minister for Marketing Ni Made Ayu Marthini added that the ministry, in collaboration with the Jakarta provincial administration, is working to shift perceptions of Jakarta from a city of work and transit to one rich in attractions.

“This may be a new concept, but the provincial administration wants Jakarta’s many destinations to be enjoyed. We’ve already launched packages with the governor to promote them,” she said, adding that recommended sites include Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), Ancol, and Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK).

The effort comes as millions of residents are expected to remain in Jakarta during the holiday period. The Jakarta Transportation Agency estimates that more than 4 million people will stay in the city, likely crowding popular destinations such as Ancol and Ragunan Zoo.

To manage traffic, the provincial administration is preparing measures including contra-flow systems, odd-even vehicle restrictions, and mobility limits around tourist areas. Over 2,000 personnel and supporting equipment will be deployed to ensure smooth operations.

Meanwhile, toll operator PT Jasa Marga predicts peak outbound traffic on March 18, 2026 (three days before Eid), with the return flow expected on March 23, 2026 (three days after Eid). ***