Indonesia

The Indonesian Travel Agency Association (Asita) warned that austerity measures could slow down Indonesia’s efforts to attract international tourists, as it says the measures have significantly impacted the Tourism Ministry’s budget for 2025. Their 2025 budget is at 1.4 trillion IDR

The Tourism Minister has said that Indonesia has maintained its domestic and international tourism growth in the first 100 days of the new Presidential administration, and that she anticipates it will continue to grow in 2025

The Tourism Minister said the tourism workforce reached 25.01 million in 2024, +2.5% YoY. In Q4 2024, Indonesia recorded 3.37 million international tourists, +10.3% YoY. Domestic tourism recorded 263.13 million trips in Q4 2024, +23.2% YoY. Overall in 2024, domestic tourist trips reached 1 billion, +22% YoY

Uluwatu local leaders are asking the Bali Government to create an initiative to protect tourists and communities involved in tourism. The Head of Pecatu Village asked the government to develop a tourist insurance scheme for tourists injured or harmed during their trip

Indonesia’s economy recorded 5.03% GDP growth and 4.61% YoY investment growth in 2024. Bank Indonesia (BI) said the US tariffs could disrupt trade and weaken global demand, which prompted it to downgrade its 2025 growth forecast to 4.7%-5.5% from 4.8%-5.6%

Travel Exclusive Asia (TEA) – a Bangkok-based DMC operating in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam – is adding Indonesia to its network

Bali will deploy a new Traffic Jam Team to reduce traffic congestion in the island’s most affected areas, such as Canggu, to improve road safety. Bali has the worst road safety record in Indonesia

The Seed, a new ultra-luxury beachfront estate in Bali, is targeting corporate groups who look for privacy and personalised experiences through exclusive buyouts. The individual villa rentals start from $3,500 USD in low season and $6,500 USD in high season

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported that Indonesia recorded 13.9 million tourist arrivals in 2024, +19% YoY but lower than the pre-pandemic levels of 16.1 million. The top arrivals are from; - Malaysia, 2.2 million (16.4% of total arrivals), +19.83% YoY - Australia, 1.6 million (12%), +16.77% YoY - Singapore, 1.4 million (10.1%), -0.45% YoY Malaysian tourists mostly entered Indonesia through Batam, while Australians mostly arrived via Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali. In Q4 2024, international tourists spent $1,287.33 USD per visit with an average length of stay of 10 days. On average, in 2024, international tourists spend $1,391.85 USD. 57.49% of their total expenditure went to accommodation and F&B. The top spenders based on the countries/region are; - Switzerland, $2,194.35 USD - the US, $2,183.58 USD - Austria, $2,175.82 USD - Belgium, $2,148.78 USD - Russia, $2,113.85 USD - Africa, $1,062 USD with 15 days stay on average, the longest among the markets - Europe, $2,009.50 USD For the purpose of the visit, 75.2% came for vacation, business 9.22%, and other personal reasons 15.59%. 70.55% choose hotel accommodation for their stay

Indonesia’s annual inflation was recorded at 0.76% in Jan 2025, the lowest in 24 years, vs 1.57% in Dec 2024. The consumer price index dropped by 0.76% in Jan 2025, attributed to a 50% discount in electricity tariffs and lower airfares. The electricity discounts will continue until Feb to boost people’s purchasing power. The core inflation rate increased in Jan 2025 to 2.36% YoY

The Mandalika International Street Circuit in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) will host MotoGP, the Asia Road Racing Championship, the GT World Series Asia, and the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia in 2025. In 2024, the circuit hosted events for 268 days with total visitors reaching 170,000 including 120,000 visitors for MotoGP

The Tourism Ministry asked the Foreigner Surveillance Team (PORA) to address a kidnapping incident involving a Ukrainian by a Russian gang in Bali. Bali police are currently investigating a robbery by foreigners against a Ukrainian

The Indonesian consulate general in Johor and the Johor government are developing an agreement to improve the connection between Johor and Batam Island through roll-on-roll-out (RoRo) ferry services

A group of business owners at the Borobudur Temple Complex in Central Java demanded the government to revoke the daily limit of 1,200 visitors at the site, noting that tourist numbers and local income have significantly dropped since the policy was introduced

The Jakarta Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) reported that at least 22 roads and 52 community units (RT) in Jakarta were flooded on Chinese New Year (29 Jan), including areas in North and West Jakarta

The Badung Regency Government purchased the land where the former Sari Club stood, in order to develop the Bali Peace Park Museum where the 2002 Bali Bombings took place. The government invested 60 billion IDR in the land, with constructions expected to start in 2026

President Prabowo had an 80% approval rating after 100 days in office, according to a survey by independent pollster Indikator Politik Indonesia

The Indonesian Ombudsman held an informal press conference titled “Bali Cultural Tourism Service Governance for Foreign Tourists in Bali Province”. They expressed commitment to examining allegations about the mismanagement of tourism, with a focus on the Bali Tourism Tax

State-owned passenger ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (ASDP) reported that over 14,262 vehicles, +130% YoY, and around 55,000 passengers, +133% YoY, from Java crossed to Sumatra via Merak Port by 25 Jan, ahead of the long holiday

PARQ Ubud’s Founder, a German national, was arrested on 25 Jan in connection with the “illegal transfer of land functions”. PARQ Ubud was formally closed down for business on 20 Jan after a temporary closure notice was issued on Nov 2024. The site was found to have committed various business, construction, and environmental regulations violations

Indonesia and India signed various agreements on 25 Jan, witnessed by the Indonesian President and Indian Prime Minister. Both countries will work on maritime security, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism. President Prabowo also said that his government will expedite economic partnership with India and prioritise long-term cooperation

Indonesia and India signed a range of agreements on 25 Jan, including on culture, security and health

Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN) said the city will be designated as Indonesia’s political capital in 2028. The President has asked OIKN and the Ministry of Public Works to review and reevaluate designs for the office complexes of legislative and judicial institutions in Nusantara. The government has allocated 48.8 trillion IDR in the 2025 budget for the development in Nusantara

Acting Mayor of Pontianak, West Kalimantan, said the Chinese New Year and Cap Go Meh celebrations have turned into major tourist attractions for the city. He said the city government will support the Cap Go Meh festivities

Deputy Tourism Minister said Indonesia is increasing its efforts to develop the five super-priority destinations – Lake Toba, Borobudur, Mandalika, Labuan Bajo, and Likupang – to attract high-value travellers, improve local economies, and achieve its 16 million international tourist arrivals in 2025. From Jan-Nov 2024, Indonesia recorded 12.7 million foreign tourists, +20.2% YoY. She said they want the travellers to travel beyond Bali, which is “overburdened”, and attract tourists who stay longer and spend more. She said Raja Ampat and Sumba also getting prominence among luxury travellers

The controversial Uluwatu Sea Wall project is set to be completed in Feb 2025. The project has reached 83% of completion as of now. Despite the purpose of the wall to protect limestone cliffs around Uluwatu Temple, many think it will bring more harm than good

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has opened Keraton at The Plaza in Jakarta with 138 rooms and suites. It is the first Unbound Collection by Hyatt property in Southeast Asia

The incoming Deputy Governor of Bali said all foreign investors should engage with the local communities before carrying out development projects. Permission to all large-scale business developments in Bali is granted through the Online Single Submission (OSS) System operated by the central government. Neighbouring businesses and communities were not consulted before permission was granted to carry out development projects. The Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association asked the government to increase the minimum amount of investment for foreign-owned businesses from 10 billion IDR to 100 billion IDR. He said the current minimum amount is too low which is accessible to mid-level investors. He said increasing the minimum amount will give chance to local entrepreneurs

The President instructed the government to cut spending by 306.7 trillion IDR ($18.8 billion USD) in 2025. This amount is equivalent to 8% of the 3,621.3 trillion IDR total approved spending. The Finance Ministry Spokesperson said the ministries and agencies will identify areas to cut down the budget. The government has allocated 71 trillion IDR for the President’s flagship program to provide free meals to 17.5 million people. The President wants to expand the recipients to 82.5 million or 1/3th of the population, which will cost an additional 100 trillion IDR

The Environment Ministry will coordinate with relevant ministries to evaluate the reclamation project in Pari Island, Jakarta to determine the damage it caused to mangroves and coral reefs. Pari Island residents protested after sand dredging activity by the company caused damage to 40,000 mangrove trees planted by residents in the last 3 years to prevent abrasion and tidal flooding. The activity also caused damage to coral reefs and seagrass beds. The Ministry ordered to stop operation and will restore the mangrove trees

New data shows only 35% of tourists are paying their tourism tax in Bali. Initially, it was reported that 40% of tourists paid the tax. Bali Provincial Tourism Office Head said Bali welcomed 6.4 million international tourists in 2024, exceeding its 6 million target. He said Bali should have collected 960 billion IDR in tourism tax based on the tourist arrivals. But, Bali only collected 317 billion IDR from the 35% of tourists and 90% of them paid the tax before arriving in Bali

The Bali Police detained two police officers for allegedly extorting a Colombian tourist. Bali Police spokesperson said they will be punished by law if they are found guilty

Heavy rain triggered a landslide in Pekalongan city in Central Java province. There were 19 reported deaths and 7 missing. Basarnas, a search and rescue agency, said 13 people were injured in the landslide

Agoda pledged $1.5 million USD for conservation projects in Asia. Agoda launched its 4th Eco Deals program in partnership with the WWF. With every booking at a participating hotel, Agoda will donate $1 USD towards WWF’s conservation efforts. The program will be available from 20 Jan-19 Dec. The fund supports; - tiger conservation in Malaysia - whale sharks protection in the Philippines - elephants conservation in Thailand - safeguarding saolas in Vietnam - ecosystems restoration in Indonesia - urban wetlands development in Laos - supporting rangers in Cambodia

Bali targets to attract 6-6.5 million international tourists and 10-10.5 million domestic tourists in 2025. The head of the Bali Tourism Office said foreign tourists entering Bali through the domestic gates of the Gilimanuk Port were not recorded in official direct flight arrivals. He said the official tourist arrivals of 6.3 million will be 7 million tourists based on an estimated 2,000 arrivals entering through Jakarta or Gilimanuk

Surabaya’s Grand City Convention and Exhibition’s General Manager forecasted a +30% YoY in booking for 2025. In 2024, the hotel recorded +20% YoY in event bookings but it only reached 70% of pre-pandemic levels

Deputy Tourism Minister asked Bali authorities to draw regulations for tourists to use local tour guides following reports of sexual assaults against tourists. She said her office had coordinated with the Bali provincial administration to ensure the safety of tourists. She said there are reports of foreign tourists working illegally in Bali as tour guides or drivers. Bali Tourism Office Head said he had coordinated with the Buleleng regency to come up with regulations for local tour guides as a preventive measure. Interim Bali Governor said they have coordinated with the Bali Police and assigned the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) to patrol tourist areas and other locations

VFS Global launched a new platform to make Indonesia’s e-Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) application process seamless for travellers, promote inbound tourism, and achieve customer experience. e-VoA will be available to 97 eligible countries

Hard Rock Hotel Bali received a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certificate and became the second hotel in Indonesia to achieve so

The new Bali Governor said they plan to implement stricter controls on tourism development following pressure from environmental groups. He said a complete ban is not a solution and his plans would likely include imposing capacity limits, focusing on quality tourism, promoting cultural sensitivity, and investing in infrastructure

The Immigration Minister said the new design of the Indonesian Passport will improve the quality of the passport. The Henley Passport Index 2025 ranks Indonesia at 66th place. He said the new passport is expected to be launched on 17 Aug. The passport is equipped with various sophisticated security features which include 33 traditional batik motifs for both aesthetic and security reasons

Indonesia took part in the “ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2025” in Johor Bahru Malaysia as part of efforts to achieve quality tourism. During the ATF 2025, the Tourism Minister met with South Korea’s Tourism Minister to strengthen collaboration between both countries under the ASEAN-ROK (Republic of Korea) Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)

The Tourism Ministry launched the Clean Tourism Movement program in 8 pilot destinations, including Bali. The Deputy Tourism Minister said this movement will create a clean ecosystem from waste and build public awareness to maintain cleanliness. Tourism and Travel Development Index (TTDI) ranks Indonesia at 89 out of 114 countries on the health and hygiene pillars. TTDI ranked Indonesia at 22nd position in the overall ranking

The Batam Authority (BP Batam) PR Head said the establishment of the Singapore-Johor Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has created opportunities for Batam SEZs in the Riau Islands province. He said Singapore’s proximity to Batam gives the island an advantage in allowing multinational companies to invest. BP Batam manages Nongsa SEZ, Batam Aero Technic SEZ, and the Batam International Health Tourism SEZ

Tourism Associations in Bali raised concerns over the island's problems, including frequent flooding, waste problems, and overtourism. The Bali office of the Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants Association (PHRI) Head said overcrowding in the southern part is a major issue due to uneven tourism development. A study from 2019 shows Bali generates 1.6 million tonnes of trash annually with 303,000 tonnes of plastic waste. However, only 48% of the waste is managed through recycling or landfill. The study shows tourists in Bali generate 3.5X more waste per day than residents, accounting for 13% of total waste in Bali

Bali Airport recorded 4 million tourists using the newly installed autogates since it started operating in Oct 2024. The Directorate General of Immigration for Indonesia targets to improve its service to serve both domestic and international tourists by including digitalizing visa applications, allowing foreigners to apply for visa extensions online, and installing 90 autogates in Bali airport in both arrival and departure terminals. Immigration Office of TPI Ngurah Rai officer said in 2024, 4 million passengers used the autogate facility which is 57% of the total of 6,994,903 arrivals recorded in 2024. In 2024, Bali airport recorded; - 1.5 million Australians - 563,000 Indians - 466,000 Chinese Bali is expecting 6.5 million international tourists in 2025

The Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASITA) targets 16 million tourists in 2025 despite concerns about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. The Secretary General of ASITA said HMPV is not a new virus, but they remain vigilant at this time. He said preventative measures such as airport screenings, health and cleanliness protocols at tourist destinations. ASITA believes Indonesia’s tourism industry is still recovering from the pandemic and will not be affected significantly by HMPV. Indonesia welcomed 12,658,048 tourists from Jan-Nov 2024, the highest number in the past five years

Bali is looking to crack down on the number of tourist villas operating without business registration documents. Bali Villa Rental and Management Association held a working team meeting to discuss the situation and they were concerned that illegal tourism rental properties will tarnish the public image of Bali in the long run. The association proposed to the Bali Tourism Office to make them an official verification authority for rental villas

3,000 people were evacuated following the Mount Ibu volcano eruption in Halmahera, the 5th time in 2025

Bali International Hospital has unveiled the first look inside the facility. The hospital located in Sanur is set to open in Apr 2025. The testing phases have been completed and the hospital invited the media to learn more about its ‘Culture of Care’ and how it plays an important role in advancing healthcare in Indonesia. The Bali International Hospital will be focusing on Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology, Gastrology, and Orthopedics (CONGO) with a full emergency department and an ICU. The mission of the hospital is to tap into the Indonesian medical tourism market, especially those travelling to Singapore, Malaysia, or Thailand. The hospital also targets international tourists from Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and North America. Australian tourists are travelling to Bali to receive dental care, aesthetic treatments, and optometry care. The hospital will partner with Bali Beach Hotel and The Meru to provide hospitality services

The incoming Bali Governor said he will not impose a moratorium on new developments of hotels, beach clubs, and commercial tourism properties in Canggu, Uluwatu, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua

The Indonesian Association of Travel Agents (Astindo), in collaboration with Sarinah shopping centre, launched the Astindo Tourist Information Centre (ATIC) in Jakarta. ATIC offers various services such as destination recommendations, curated tour packages, and eco-friendly travel options