Tourism as Indonesia's New Forex Engine

Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, highlighted the growing significance of the tourism sector for the country’s economy. In the third quarter of 2025, tourism generated USD 13.82 billion, approximately IDR 232 trillion. The sector’s contribution to GDP reached 3.96%, creating tens of thousands of jobs. During a coordination meeting led by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Airlangga shared statistics and discussed ways to further develop the sector. By November 2025, the number of international tourists reached 13.98 million, with the highest number coming from Malaysia (17.3%), followed by Australia (11.3%), Singapore (10.5%), and China (8.8%). To enhance tourism infrastructure and increase attendance, the government aims to develop new airports and simplify visa procedures. The focus is also on digitalization and improving safety standards through insurance programs, along with training 400,000 workers annually to enhance their skills.