INDONESIA TOURISM SURGE DEFIES SEASONAL SLOWDOWN
Foreign Visitors Rise 13% in February as Growth Momentum Builds
Indonesia’s tourism sector continues to show strong momentum, with foreign visitor arrivals rising by approximately 13% in February 2026, a month that is typically considered part of the low season.
The country recorded around 1.16 million international arrivals in February, reflecting sustained recovery and growing global demand for Indonesian destinations.
STRONG START TO 2026
The February increase follows a solid January performance, bringing total foreign arrivals for the first two months of the year to approximately 2.35 million visitors, up nearly 8% year-on-year.
This suggests that Indonesia is entering 2026 with consistent upward momentum, rather than relying on seasonal peaks.
KEY SOURCE MARKETS
Indonesia continues to attract a diverse mix of international visitors, with the largest source markets including:
•Malaysia – the largest contributor, accounting for over 17% of arrivals
•China – rapidly rebounding and now contributing over 13%
•Singapore – a strong regional market at around 9%
•Australia – consistently one of the top long-haul markets at approximately 9%
Additional growth is also being recorded from India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Taiwan.
China’s return to international travel remains a key driver of growth, with outbound travel increasing significantly compared to previous years.
ARRIVAL PATTERNS
Air travel continues to dominate inbound tourism, with approximately 78% of visitors arriving by air.
Indonesia’s main gateways remain:
•Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali)
•Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta)
Together, these airports account for the majority of international arrivals.
Sea arrivals are also increasing, with notable growth driven by ferry routes and cruise tourism, while land border crossings continue to contribute to regional travel flows.
LAST 12 MONTHS: FULL RECOVERY AND BEYOND
Over the past 12 months, Indonesia’s tourism sector has moved firmly into expansion territory.
•Total international visitors in 2025: approximately 15.3 million
•Annual growth: around 10–11% year-on-year
This represents the strongest performance since before the pandemic and confirms a steady return to large-scale international travel.
BALI REMAINS DOMINANT, BUT GROWTH IS SPREADING
Bali continues to be Indonesia’s primary tourism hub, handling a significant share of international arrivals and remaining one of the most sought-after destinations globally.
However, growth is increasingly extending beyond Bali into other regions, including:
•Lombok, emerging as a major secondary destination
•Batam and Bintan, benefiting from proximity to Singapore
•Other developing tourism regions supported by infrastructure investment
This broader distribution of tourism is helping to diversify Indonesia’s travel economy.
12-MONTH OUTLOOK AND TARGETS
Indonesia has set ambitious targets for the year ahead.
Government projections indicate:
•16 to 17 million international visitors expected in 2026
•Continued growth driven by increased flight capacity, visa accessibility, and regional travel demand
Industry expectations suggest that if current trends continue, Indonesia could approach or exceed pre-pandemic peak levels in the near term.
OUTLOOK
The 13% rise in February arrivals highlights a key shift in Indonesia’s tourism cycle.
Growth is no longer limited to peak holiday periods. Instead, demand is becoming more consistent throughout the year, supported by:
•Expanding airline routes
•Increased global awareness of Indonesian destinations
•Rising demand for lifestyle, remote work, and long-stay travel
With strong early-year performance and expanding international interest, Indonesia’s tourism sector appears set for another year of sustained growth.