Facing Global Conflicts, Tourism Sector Has Potential to Drive Economic Growth

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, urged the strengthening of the tourism sector to sustain national economic growth amid escalating global conflicts. He conveyed this during a national webinar titled “Tourism Under Fire” on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Airlangga highlighted the success of Indonesia’s tourism sector in 2025, which contributed Rp945.7 trillion or around $55.72 billion to GDP. The sector also secured significant foreign exchange earnings and serves as a livelihood for over 25 million workers. However, this success is now threatened by conflicts in the Middle East that are disrupting global air travel.

He explained, “The latest report from InJourney Airports for the period up to February 10th recorded disruptions on 9 international routes, affecting the mobility of 47,000 passengers. This challenge is further complicated by rising jet fuel prices.”

Coordinating Minister Airlangga stated that the government needs to implement rapid reforms to ensure that the country’s foreign exchange earnings from this sector remain stable despite the crisis. The main strategies being prepared include expanding the Visa-Free Visit (BVK) program for 20 potential countries to reignite interest among international tourists.

“First, there is a need to expand visa-free travel. According to a study by the World Travel and Tourism Council, visa-free travel to Indonesia from 169 countries since 2015 has successfully driven growth of up to 15 percent. The Ministry of Tourism has identified 20 potential countries as a quick-win measure in this situation,” Airlangga said.

Additionally, the government is strengthening the domestic market through the concept of micro-tourism and offering transportation discount incentives during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday period. The government is also promoting a “work from anywhere” policy to stimulate the local economy.

“The government has provided average transportation discount packages. 18 percent for air travel, 30 percent for land and sea travel, and 30 percent for rail travel, as well as a ‘work from anywhere’ policy that will certainly support the movement of domestic tourists to various regions,” he said.

The next strategy includes developing facilities for digital workers in regions such as Bali and Jakarta. Airlangga views the weakening of the rupiah exchange rate as an opportunity to promote Indonesia as an affordable luxury destination for foreign tourists. He emphasized that cross-sector collaboration is key to ensuring Indonesia’s tourism sector remains resilient in the face of global turmoil.