Indonesia aims to record 16 to 17 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2026 as the country wants to ramp up “experience-based tourism” as well as targeting premium travel markets. The latest target shows that Indonesia wants to beat pre-pandemic levels, during which the country managed to attract 16 million foreigners.
The Tourism Ministry said that Indonesia’s tourism policies will not only be centered on the tourist arrivals but will focus on developing an experience-based tourism, while improving the safety and sustainability standards. The government will continue developing tourism villages, wellness packages and marine tourism targeting premium travel markets.
15 million arrivals in 2025
Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana also reported that Indonesia’s tourism industry delivered strong results in 2025, with foreign tourist arrivals expected to surpass the government’s target of 15 million.
Wardhana noted that as of November 2025, foreign arrivals had reached 13.98 million, marking a 10.44 percent year-on-year increase and total arrivals for the year are projected to reach 15.3 million.
She highlighted that 72% of visitors came from countries targeted by the ministry’s promotional campaigns, with Malaysia contributing the largest share at 17%, followed by Australia, Singapore, China, Timor-Leste and India.
Tourist arrivals major driver of earnings
The minister also emphasised that rising tourist numbers have been a major driver of foreign exchange earnings. In the first three quarters of 2025, tourism revenues reached US$13.82 billion, up 9.42 percent from the same period in 2024. Average spending per visitor stood at US$1,259, exceeding the government’s target of US$1,220.
The minister also pointed to a surplus of 5.64 million trips, with inbound foreign arrivals outpacing outbound departures. This, she said, demonstrates both the growing global appeal of Indonesian destinations and the potential for a stronger tourism foreign trade in tourism.
Domestic tourism also posted record highs. Between January and November 2025, Indonesians made 1.09 billion trips, an 18.95 percent increase year-on-year, the highest ever recorded.
Employment in the tourism industry rose to 25.91 million workers in 2025, an increase of 910,000 compared to the previous year. Investment also surged, with realised projects reaching US$3.18 billion by the third quarter, up 52.66 percent year-on-year.
5 super-priority destinations now increased to 10
In a move is to decentralise tourism, especially beyond Bali, and to drive sustainable tourism in the country, Indonesia has accelerated its destination development strategy, expanding from five super-priority destinations to 10 – including:
- Lake Toba in North Sumatra, is the world’s largest volcanic lake
- Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world
- Mandalika in Central Lombok, Indonesia, known for its 16km of white-sand beaches and the world-class Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit
- Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park
- Likupang is well-known for its stunning natural attractions.
The new additional five super-priority destinations include Tanjung Kelayang, Tanjung Lesung, Wakatobi, Morotai, and Raja Ampat, which are hidden gems off the beaten track.
There are also four regenerative destinations which are Bali, Jakarta, and the Riau Islands of Batam and Bintan which are located south of Singapore, while a new tourism cluster that has also been announced in the country’s new capital, Nusantara, in East Kalimantan. These initiatives focus on upgrading infrastructure, boosting regional economies, and promoting sustainable, high-quality tourism.
Photo credit: Blair Nguyen
