Indonesia records 8.24 pct rise in foreign tourist arrivals

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia recorded an 8.24 percent increase in foreign tourist arrivals from January to April 2026 despite global geopolitical dynamics and economic uncertainty, according to the Government Communications Agency (Bakom).

Bakom head Muhammad Qodari said that based on data compiled as of June 14, Indonesia welcomed 4.68 million foreign tourists during the January-April 2026 period, up from 4.33 million arrivals recorded in the same period of 2025.

"Growth has remained strong amid global geopolitical dynamics and economic uncertainty, supported by adaptive marketing strategies," Qodari said at a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Besides the increase in arrivals, the quality of visits also improved, as reflected by a 5.36 percent rise in average spending by foreign tourists to US$1,345.61 per visit.

Foreign exchange earnings from the tourism sector also grew by 6.30 percent year-on-year to Rp68.28 trillion (around US$3.84 billion).

Qodari estimated that tourism's contribution to Indonesia's gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2026 ranged from 4.01 percent to 5.00 percent, equivalent to Rp248 trillion-Rp309 trillion.

He said the government continues to strengthen tourism sector performance through the development of tourist villages and tourism events, noting that Indonesia currently has more than 6,200 tourist villages.

Qodari added that the Tourism Ministry is also seeking to improve tourism quality through cooperation with the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) and other strategic partners.

The government is targeting the organization of 125 tourism events across 30 provinces throughout 2026.

So far, 38 events have been held, attracting 1.19 million visitors and generating an economic turnover of Rp85 billion.

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Translator: Prisca Triferna V., Genta Tenri M., Yashinta Difa

Editor: Anton Santoso

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