RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government continuously Bolsters tourism diplomacy and regional connectivity in Southeast Asia through cross-border tourism promotion, including with Malaysia. One of the initiatives is a Familiarization Trip (Famtrip) organized by the Ministry of Tourism in the Regenerative Tourism Destination of the Riau Islands.

In a press release issued by the Ministry of Tourism on Friday, May 29, 2026, a total of 12 travel agents and tour operators from Malaysia participated in the Famtrip program held from May 18–21, 2026, in Batam, Tanjung Pinang, and Bintan. The participants consisted of eight tourism industry representatives from Kuala Lumpur and four from Johor Bahru.

Deputy for Marketing at Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, said the Riau Islands hold a strategic position as one of the main gateways for Malaysian tourists visiting Indonesia.

“Malaysia is one of Indonesia’s key international tourism markets. Its geographical proximity and strong connectivity give the Riau Islands significant potential to continue developing as a leading cross-border tourism destination,” Made said.

During the four-day program, participants visited several major attractions, including the Barelang Bridge area in Batam, Penyengat Island in Tanjung Pinang, the Lagoi tourism area in Bintan, Malay cultural destinations, shopping tourism centers, and also took part in hotel inspections and business networking activities with local tourism industry players.

The program also formed part of Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen Muslim-friendly tourism promotion. The Riau Islands are considered to have several advantages that match Malaysian tourists’ preferences, ranging from close cultural ties through Malay heritage and easy accessibility to halal culinary options and destinations perceived as comfortable and welcoming for visitors.

“Through direct experience at the destinations, we hope travel agents and tour operators can better understand the tourism potential of Batam, Tanjung Pinang, and Bintan, so these destinations can be promoted more widely to Malaysian tourists,” She said.

According to her, the Famtrip program is an effective promotional strategy to strengthen tourism business networks while encouraging the development of more competitive travel packages tailored to regional market demands.

The government remains optimistic that stronger cross-border promotion and tourism connectivity between Indonesia and Malaysia will further reinforce the Riau Islands’ position as one of Indonesia’s leading tourism destinations in Southeast Asia.