Indonesia's Tourism Sector Records Positive Growth with Strong Resilience

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Tourism has reported positive growth in Indonesia's tourism sector through July 2026, evidenced by increases in foreign tourist arrivals, domestic tourist trips, and hotel occupancy rates. In a statement received on Thursday, September 10, 2026, in Jakarta, Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, emphasized the need to sustain this momentum amidst a climate of global uncertainty.

According to the Minister, tourism growth is not merely about visitor numbers; it must also deliver tangible economic benefits to local communities and regions. Consequently, strengthening market strategies and mitigating risks are key to ensuring this positive trend continues through the end of the year.

The Ministry of Tourism recorded that foreign tourist visits throughout January–July 2026 reached 8.98 million visits, growing 5.23 percent compared to the same period last year, driven by increases in other Asian markets by 8.69 percent, Southeast Asia by 7.32 percent, and Oceania by 7.26 percent. The Middle East market also returned to positive growth, while the European market began to improve, despite still experiencing a contraction.

In terms of foreign exchange earnings, the tourism sector contributed US$8.43 billion (equivalent to IDR 145.13 trillion) in the first half of 2026, marking a 2.88 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. Minister Widiyanti asserted that these figures demonstrate the tourism sector's resilience amidst geopolitical dynamics and a global economic slowdown.

In addition to foreign arrivals, domestic tourist trips totaled 737.85 million between January and July 2026, representing a 3.34 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the national hotel occupancy rate stood at 49.13 percent, up 2.36 percent from the previous year, indicating that the hotel industry is stabilizing after a slowdown in 2025.

Vice Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Puspa, added that the tourism sector's direct contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025 will reach 4.78 percent, or approximately IDR 1,139 trillion, up from IDR 1,057 trillion in 2024. She emphasized that tourism growth should be measured not only by the number of visits, but also by length of stay, tourist spending, and the economic impact on destinations.

On the other hand, the tourism sector also faces the challenge of natural disasters that have disrupted a number of destinations, starting from forest fires in the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru area, earthquakes in Labuan Bajo and Flores, the fire at the Sade Traditional Village in Lombok, to the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau which resulted in the cancellation of thousands of flights. The Ministry of Tourism stated that it has coordinated with various stakeholders to accelerate destination recovery while ensuring tourist safety.

Tourism Minister Widiyanti, hopes these achievements can be sustained through the end of the year via collaboration among the central government, local governments, the industry, and the public. "Let us continue working together to realize a high-quality, competitive, and sustainable Indonesian tourism sector that delivers broad benefits to the people of Indonesia," the Minister said.