Indonesia’s Tourism Push Delivers Growth and Regional Impact

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s tourism sector is seeing tangible economic gains from intensified promotion and regional events, with millions of visitors and significant transactions recorded in the first half of 2026.

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said sustained promotion—both domestically and abroad—is crucial to maintaining demand, expanding market access, and strengthening industry networks.

“Promotion is key to ensuring momentum in foreign tourist growth,” she noted in the ministry’s monthly performance report on Friday, July 10, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The ministry has stepped up international outreach through sales missions, business forums, and exhibitions in China, South Korea, India, and Malaysia during May and June.

These efforts generated potential travel of 36,807 pax, transactions worth IDR 7.27 billion, and foreign exchange potential of IDR 559.48 billion. Domestic promotion also continues to encourage local travel.

Deputy Minister Ni Luh Puspa highlighted the role of Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) 2026, which supports 125 curated regional events across 38 provinces.

By June, 36 events had been completed, drawing 1.34 million visitors and IDR 90.53 billion in direct economic transactions. The events engaged over 10,000 MSMEs, 23,000 artists, and created more than 20,000 jobs.

To strengthen governance, the ministry has coordinated with other agencies on airport ecosystem management, focusing on accelerating development of four priority destinations: Lake Toba, Borobudur, Mandalika, and Labuan Bajo.

Efforts include integrated regional planning, improved connectivity, and new international flight routes.

Ahead of the school holiday period, the ministry issued guidelines for safe and enjoyable travel, while urging local governments to update disaster‑risk data for tourist sites.

By late May, 5,145 attractions in 36 provinces had been mapped, with 139 destinations inspected directly by the minister to ensure readiness in safety and service. ***