RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – An increase in foreign tourism is not enough to drive economic growth unless spending rises too. Therefore, improving tourism quality is crucial for generating more benefits for communities, MSMEs, and tourist destinations.

Lawmaker of Commission VII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Putra Nababan, said that the foreign tourist arrival figures for the first half of 2026 are impressive. However, he emphasized that the rise in visitor numbers must be matched by increased spending to maximize the resulting economic impact.

"We certainly appreciate the foreign tourist arrival figures for the first semester of 2026. The 1.39 million visits recorded in June, a slight increase from the previous month, demonstrate that Indonesia remains a sought-after destination," Putra said in Jakarta on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

This statement follows data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) showing that foreign tourist visits to Indonesia in June 2026 reached 1.39 million, a slight increase from the previous month. However, the average tourist expenditure actually declined.

According to Putra, BPS data also indicates a 2.15 percent year-on-year drop in foreign tourist visits, while average spending stands at approximately USD 1,285 per visit.

"This data should warn us. The rise in tourism doesn't guarantee increased local economic benefit. If tourists spend less, the economic impact on local communities and MSMEs near the destinations will not be maximized," he said.

He sees an opportunity to enhance the quality of destinations, services, and travel experiences, encouraging tourists to stay longer and spend more. To boost competitiveness and economic growth, the government must improve amenities, infrastructure, and cleanliness standards in tourism areas.

Furthermore, he sees developing international events and thematic tourism packages, such as ecotourism, wellness tourism, and cultural tourism, as a way to extend tourists' stays and increase their spending at the destination.

Putra also proposed more targeted tourism promotion aimed at countries that provide high-spending tourists. Simultaneously, he wants to strengthen the integration of MSME products into the tourism ecosystem to ensure that economic benefits are shared more widely.

"We don't want Indonesia to be a cheap destination. Our tourism sector needs to move upmarket. Strategies must be strengthened to ensure that the length of stay and spending of foreign tourists rise, while preserving our tourism destinations," he said. ***