Indonesia

Ngurah Rai Immigration Office in Bali has issued 54 emergency stay permits (ITKT) for foreigners due to flight disruptions in the Middle East following the conflict in Iran. ITKT are valid for 30 days and are eligible for an additional 30 days in case the emergency situation continues. Those who apply for ITKT must submit a letter from the airline stating their flight is cancelled or affected. Under Immigration regulations, those overstaying less than 60 days are subject to a daily fine of 1 million IDR, but this will be exempted during the emergency situation. Ngurah Rai Immigration data shows, 4,426 foreigners were affected due to flight cancellations from 28 Feb to 2 Mar

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed 6,047 Indonesians who are in Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage have returned to Indonesia from 28 Feb to 1 Mar. 43,363 Umrah pilgrims are planning to leave for Saudi Arabia before the Hajj season on 18 Apr via 439 Umrah travel organisers. Data from the Ministry shows 58,873 Indonesian pilgrims are stranded in Saudi Arabia as of 1 Mar due to the escalating Middle East conflict

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah advised Indonesian citizens to delay their Umrah departures following a volatile situation in the Middle East. The Ministry asked all pilgrims in Saudi Arabia to remain calm and avoid panic

South Korea has launched a visa-free pilot scheme for Indonesian tourists travelling to the country in organised groups, under the Visit Korea Year strategy. The travellers could stay for 15 days

The Asia Pacific Regional Director for the Catalan Tourist Board, Spain, said momentum is building across Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, for MICE travel to the region. He noted that Japan, Australia, and South Korea remain the largest APAC feeder markets for MICE travel. In 2025, Catalonia recorded 25,000 Japanese MICE visitors — about seven times the number of Indonesian visitors, which stood at 3,850 arrivals. However, Japanese arrivals have yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels, while Indonesia has surpassed them. Indonesian MICE arrivals reached 3,850 in 2025, compared with 1,510 in 2023. This growth is attributed to Indonesian corporates offering long-haul reward programmes more aggressively than some North Asian markets. The Philippines was also among the leading source markets in 2024, with 4,080 arrivals. Singaporean arrivals declined to 2,700 in 2025, from 6,590 in 2024 and 2,870 in 2023. The Malaysian market fell to 2,700 in 2025, from 3,430 in 2024, while 2,330 arrivals were recorded in 2023. The Catalan Tourist Board added that Singaporean MICE groups tend to stay in one city and conduct activities there, especially when group sizes reach up to 80 people. Indonesian MICE groups, meanwhile, tend to stay in one city per day. Christian religious groups from the Philippines, ranging from 20 to 1,000 participants, often continue their tour to other parts of Spain after their Catalonia trip

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is committed to ensuring optimal care and protection for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, including those who fall ill during transit. The Minister said they will provide assistance to pilgrims facing legal issues in Saudi Arabia or transit countries

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is ready to work with the Saudi Arabian Government to integrate digital systems to provide continuous improvements in Hajj and Umrah services for Indonesians. The Minister highlighted the need to optimise Nusuk Masar, a unified registration and management platform for pilgrimage service providers. The Minister also asked the Saudi government to offer technical clarity on the implementation of the dam (a compensatory animal sacrifice) through digital channels for the pilgrims who missed rituals or broke rules during Hajj

The Hajj Minister has left for Saudi Arabia to conduct reviews and inspections of the government’s preparation for the 2026 Hajj, including accommodation, consumption, transportation, healthcare, and protection. The Minister will meet with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to hold a bilateral meeting to improve technical cooperation in organising Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. The Minister is expected to take part in the Saudi-Indonesia Umrah Co-Exchange Forum

The President of the Indonesian Travel Agent Association (ASTINDO) said the popular outbound travel demands for Indonesians are to China, Japan, Taiwan, and cruise holidays. The Assistant Vice President at Bayu Buana Travel Services said Chongqing, China, is the top-selling destination during the ASINDO Travel fair, and the popular destinations in Japan for Indonesians are Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. South African Tourism took part in the ASTINDO Travel Fair for the first time. The South African Tourism Minister said the country offers Muslim-friendly travel experiences, including halal-certified restaurants, prayer facilities, and hotels. Travel agents said there is increasing interest in South Africa among Indonesians, but it might take time for them to warm up to the destinations. A Sales Executive at Smailing Tour and Travel said most travellers still prefer major countries such as the US, Europe, Japan, or China, and those who visited here may look at unique destinations like Vietnam or South Africa

Indonesia’s President reported that Indonesia is the first foreign country to build a Haj complex in Mecca, calling it a move made “out of respect” towards Indonesia. The complex is planned to be completed within 3 years, with 1,000 rooms initially. It is hoped that this will lower the Haj costs for Indonesian pilgrims. Danantara purchased the Novotel Thakher Makkah hotel, as well as 5 hectares in Mecca. The hotel can accommodate 4,500 pilgrims in 1,461 rooms in 3 towers, with plans for 13 more towers and 6,025 rooms

Indonesia’s President reported that Indonesia is the first foreign country to build a Haj complex in Mecca, calling it a move made “out of respect” towards Indonesia. The complex is planned to be completed within 3 years, with 1,000 rooms initially. It is hoped that this will lower the Haj costs for Indonesian pilgrims. Danantara purchased the Novotel Thakher Makkah hotel, as well as 5 hectares in Mecca. The hotel can accommodate 4,500 pilgrims in 1,461 rooms in 3 towers, with plans for 13 more towers and 6,025 rooms