Jakarta. Indonesia's tourism earnings rose 6.3% in the first quarter of 2026, driven by an increase in foreign visitor arrivals and higher spending per trip, underscoring the sector's resilience despite global economic and geopolitical uncertainties.

Tourism foreign exchange revenue reached $4.05 billion in the January-March period, up from $3.81 billion a year earlier, according to data released by the Government Communications Agency (Bakom RI) on Wednesday.

The growth was supported by a steady rise in international tourist arrivals. Data from the Tourism Ministry showed that Indonesia welcomed 4.68 million foreign visitors between January and April, an increase of 8.24% from 4.33 million arrivals during the same period last year.

"The increase in tourist arrivals, accompanied by higher spending, has contributed to the growth of tourism foreign exchange earnings," Bakom RI head Muhammad Qodari told a press conference in Jakarta.

According to Qodari, the performance highlights the continued appeal of Indonesia's tourism destinations even as the global economy faces geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.

"The growth has remained solid amid global geopolitical dynamics and economic uncertainty, supported by adaptive marketing strategies focused on short- and medium-haul markets," he said.

Foreign visitors spent an average of $1,345.61 per trip in the first quarter, up 5.36% from $1,277.17 during the same period in 2025. The increase in spending helped lift the sector's contribution to national foreign exchange earnings.

Domestic tourism also continued to expand. Indonesians made 417.06 million domestic trips between January and April, up 1.48% from 410.99 million trips recorded a year earlier.

The Tourism Ministry estimates that the sector contributed between 4.01% and 5% of gross domestic product in the first quarter, generating economic activity worth between Rp 248.11 trillion ($14 billion) and Rp 309.36 trillion.

Indonesia has been seeking to strengthen tourism as a key driver of economic growth and foreign exchange earnings, while broadening visitor flows beyond traditional destinations such as Bali.

Qodari said the latest figures reaffirm tourism's strategic role in supporting regional economies, generating jobs, and boosting foreign exchange income.

"Indonesia's tourism sector continues to demonstrate positive and resilient performance, both in terms of international and domestic travel, further strengthening its role as one of the engines of national economic growth," he said.

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