DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Indonesia could lose an estimated 5,500 international visitors per day due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, with potential foreign exchange losses reaching IDR 184.8 billion daily if mitigation measures are not implemented promptly.
The Ministry of Tourism highlighted that flight disruptions have already affected international travel flows. Data from InJourney Airports shows that between late February and March 10, 2026, disruptions occurred across nine international routes at Soekarno-Hatta and I Gusti Ngurah Rai airports, impacting a total of 47,012 passengers.
The situation has been further compounded by rising aviation fuel prices, adding pressure to airline operations and travel demand.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said Indonesia must accelerate tourism sector reforms to reduce the impact of global uncertainties.
“Indonesia needs to implement reforms to mitigate losses from global crises and build a more competitive, resilient, and globally competitive tourism sector,” Airlangga said in Jakarta on Wednesday (March 18).
Despite current challenges, tourism remains a key pillar of Indonesia’s economy. In 2025, the sector contributed IDR 945.7 trillion, equivalent to 3.97 percent of the country’s GDP.
International arrivals reached 15.39 million visitors last year, marking a 10.7 percent year-on-year increase. The sector also generated USD 18.91 billion in foreign exchange and supported approximately 25.91 million jobs nationwide.
To maintain competitiveness, the government is considering several strategic measures. One key proposal is expanding the visa-free entry policy to additional countries.
According to data from the World Travel and Tourism Council, Indonesia’s visa-free policy covering 169 countries since 2015 contributed to annual tourist growth of around 15 percent and created approximately 400,000 jobs in the sector.
The Ministry of Tourism has identified 20 additional countries as potential targets for expansion.
Authorities are also focusing on strengthening domestic tourism, particularly during the upcoming Eid holiday period. This includes promoting micro-tourism, encouraging travelers to explore nearby destinations with deeper local experiences.
Additional stimulus measures include transportation discounts during Eid 2026 and the implementation of a Work From Anywhere policy to support domestic travel mobility.
The government is also exploring new international flight routes, strengthening Indonesia’s branding as a safe and stable destination, and promoting locations suitable for digital nomads.
Areas such as Jakarta, the Riau Islands, and Kura-Kura Bali Special Economic Zone are being considered for development as secure, technology-based ecosystems for global remote workers.
Airlangga noted that current currency fluctuations could also present an opportunity.
“With current exchange rate movements, this could become a hidden advantage in attracting tourists, as they gain more value from their spending. Marketing Indonesia as a high-end yet affordable destination should be strengthened,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the resilience of Indonesia’s tourism ecosystem amid global uncertainties.