Indonesia

New eco-park and resort Toya Ubud was opened in Nov 2024, and is now officially fully operational. The resort is located in Kenderan Village, near the Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Head of Denpasar Tourism Office said that they aim to welcome 2.1 million tourists in 2025, up from 1.9 million in 2024. To achieve the target, they will work on online promotion, utilising social media collaboration with tourism actors and tourism stakeholders, as well as improving the quality of their destinations and hold events that have been budgeted for

A presidential official revealed that the Indonesian government will host a week-long mountain glamping retreat in Magelang, Central Java, for over 500 mayors, governors, and regents in Oct. The gathering is said to cost 13.2 billion IDR from the Home Ministry budget, which prompted outrage and criticism online and from NGOs amid recent widespread budget cuts by President Prabowo

The Indonesia Inbound Tourism Association (IINTOA) called on the Tourism Ministry to strengthen destination promotions amid concerns over a significant cut in the government’s promotional budget for 2025. The budget cut means Indonesia will be absent from major international trade shows like ITB Asia in Singapore, ATM in Dubai, and WTM in London. The ministry has also withdrawn financial support for SATTE 2025 in New Delhi, resulting in higher costs for participating industry members

A Diplomat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that 9,230 Iranians visited Indonesia in 2024, +28% YoY. He was optimistic that the number could surpass the pre-pandemic figure of 10,440 in 2025. The ministry hosted fam trips for Iranian travel agencies and tour operators in Bali and Lombok in 2024. He noted that efforts to establish direct flights between the two countries are still hindered by political and logistical challenges

The Tourism Ministry, in collaboration with the Home Ministry, to form a task force to address illegal levies and extortion at tourist sites

Wayan Koster to be inaugurated into his second term as Bali Governor on 20 Feb. He has outlined his vision for the next five years, including his plan to rebrand Bali’s tourism villages as cultural villages, urging the villages to put more focus on promoting traditional Balinese culture over attractions that would fall within the entertainment or wellness categories

The Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) has issued new guidelines for the upcoming Nyepi Day celebration on 29 Mar. Tourists will not be able to travel anywhere on 29 Mar and will be required to stay in their accommodation. Their hosts will advise them as to what activities are and are not permissible. Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport will also be closed for the full 24-hour period on 29 Mar

Deputy Tourism Minister expressed concerns over rising crime rates in Bali, following the arrest of four foreigners and the deportation of six others for working on tourist visas and similar offenses. She noted that she is exploring ways to strengthen law enforcement in Bali to help deter criminally inclined individuals from operating in the region. Head of Bali’s Tourism Office also regretted the criminal actions of foreign nationals in Bali, stating: “We want quality tourists to come, who respect Balinese culture, the environment Balinese people, this incident is a lesson for us”

Pattaya City, in collaboration with the Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organisation and the TAT Pattaya Office, hosted the “Pattaya Roadshow to Muscat” at the Sheraton Oman Hotel on 12 Feb, featuring a delegation of 16 Pattaya business operators. The event welcomed over 50 Omani tour operators

Fast boat services between Bali and Lombok, as well as Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, have returned to normal following a week of cancellations and delays due to Tropical Cyclone Seedling 96S

Bali Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) recommended the temporary closure of the Finns Beach Club until it completes its permit and license process. The Development Development and Supervision Team (TP3) of Bali Province issued a warning notice to the club to complete its business permits on 22 Nov 2024

The Nusantara Capital City (IKN) Authority Head said that their entire staff will start to work from the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) from Mar

Bali prepares for extreme weather events due to Tropical Cyclone Seedling 96S, with wind speeds reaching up to 72km per hour. The Disaster Management Agency is working to keep the public safe. There were 40 major incidents with fallen trees between 3-9 Feb which caused 4 casualties. Flights were delayed at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. The Bali Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) said over 885 million IDR in damages were recorded as of 11 Feb

The Alchemist Travel Foundation will sponsor a series of training programs at the Sumba Hospitality Foundation (SHF) schools. The projects will promote responsible tourism, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship

Indonesia Heritage Agency (IHA) organised an exhibition, titled “Kongsi: Chinese Acculturation in Indonesia”, at the National Museum in Jakarta, to highlight the contributions of Chinese culture to Indonesia’s diversity

The government established two special economic zones (SEZs) for tourism and healthcare – the Sanur SEZ, Bali and the Batam SEZ, Riau Islands. Over 1 million Indonesian citizens seek treatment overseas causing $11.5 billion USD losses annually

Indonesia and Uzbekistan agreed to improve bilateral relations of both countries through a joint commission, the bilateral consultative committee, and regular meetings

The Tourism Ministry will form a work team with the Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance to handle illegal levies at tourist spots. The ministry signed an MoU with the police to address the problem

Amadeus and Traveloka will cooperate to deliver a more personalised travel experience through technology. Traveloka will be able to offer fully customised flight search technology and servicing capabilities. Both companies will bring more NDC-enabled content to their travel platform

Indonesia’s business event sector, especially hotels, is preparing for the impact of the government’s $18.9 billion USD spending cut in 2025. Secretary General of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association said Government fund reduction for business travel and meetings will significantly dampen the demand, placing pressure on the industry

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 Ministry will highlight Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage as an important strategy to attract more foreign tourists

Further East 2025 will be held in Bali from 3-6 Nov

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