Indonesia eyes growing global Muslim travel market by 2030

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is stepping up efforts to capture a larger share of the global Muslim travel market, which is projected to reach 262 million trips by 2030, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

Masruroh, the ministry's Expert Staff for Digital Transformation and Tourism Innovation, said the steady growth in Muslim travelers worldwide presents a major opportunity for Indonesia to strengthen its Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem.

"As the number of Muslim travelers continues to grow globally, they seek the same travel experiences as other tourists. However, one non-negotiable requirement is access to facilities that enable them to fulfill their religious obligations," Masruroh said during the Islamic Finance Dialogue in Jakarta on Wednesday (July 1).

She explained that Muslim-friendly tourism extends well beyond the availability of halal food. It also includes transportation, accommodations, proper sanitation, and prayer facilities that allow travelers to observe their religious practices comfortably throughout their journeys.

"The halal concept we are referring to is an ecosystem and a lifestyle. It covers every stage of the travel experience, from the moment tourists leave home, throughout their journey, until they return and share their experiences," she said.

According to Masruroh, Indonesia is well positioned to become a global leader in Muslim-friendly tourism, as the country is home to 11.3 percent of the world's Muslim population, 17 percent of Asia's Muslim population, and 86 percent of ASEAN's Muslim population.

She also noted that 19 provinces have Muslim populations exceeding 90 percent, providing a strong cultural foundation for the development of faith-based tourism services.

Indonesia currently ranks second globally in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), behind Malaysia, based on indicators including access, communication, environment, and services.

Masruroh added that geopolitical developments have also reshaped travel patterns. Of the 616 million international tourist arrivals in Asia, nearly 128 million, or more than 20 percent, are Muslim travelers, making the region an increasingly important market.

In response to reduced flight connectivity from the Middle East due to geopolitical tensions, the ministry is shifting its promotional focus toward nearby regional markets, including Malaysia, Singapore, and East Asian countries.

However, she acknowledged that Indonesia still faces challenges in strengthening its domestic Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem.

Among the ministry's priorities are accelerating halal certification for hotels and restaurants, improving public sanitation facilities, and raising public awareness about the principles of Muslim-friendly tourism.

"We hope Muslim travelers will continue to visit Indonesia and enjoy the uniqueness of our destinations while being able to fulfill their religious obligations with ease," she said.

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Translator: Fitra Ashari, Yashinta Difa

Editor: Primayanti

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