Jakarta. The 18th edition of the Deep and Extreme Indonesia 2026 officially opened on Thursday at the Jakarta International Convention Center, reinforcing its role as a key platform connecting industry players, communities, and the wider public.

Opening the event, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono said DXI had become a strategic platform for driving growth in Indonesia’s adventure tourism and marine tourism sectors.

“As one of the largest exhibitions in Indonesia, DXI 2026 can attract not only visitors who enjoy extreme sports, but also the broader public who want to learn more about the range of adventure tourism opportunities available in Indonesia,” he said.

He added that stronger domestic promotion is needed to reinforce Indonesia’s position, describing it as one of the main pillars for advancing the country’s 17 creative economy subsectors through events such as DXI.

The effort is expected not only to strengthen the tourism and creative economy ecosystem, but also to create wider collaboration opportunities at national and global levels, while helping develop destinations beyond Bali and Labuan Bajo.

Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Luh Puspa said Indonesia’s status as an archipelago gives it a natural advantage, with more than 17,000 islands and maritime territory covering over 70% of the country’s total area.

“These conditions give Indonesia both comparative and competitive advantages in developing marine tourism and adventure tourism. Marine tourism is estimated to contribute around 32%-42% of the national economy,” she said.

Ni Luh added that DXI plays a strategic role as a promotional and marketing platform for Indonesia’s marine and adventure tourism sectors, while serving as a catalyst to strengthen a globally competitive marine tourism ecosystem.

“DXI is expected to have a positive impact in strengthening Indonesia’s positioning as a leading global destination for marine and adventure tourism,” she said.

DXI 2026 is organized by Dyandra Event Solutions in collaboration with ADEX 360.

This year’s exhibition carries the theme #DAREtoXPLORE: Waves of Collaboration, emphasizing the importance of cross-sector cooperation in developing the industry.

Deep and Extreme Indonesia founder Dharmawan Sutanto said the event was designed not only as an exhibition, but also as a source of inspiration and practical experience with tangible benefits for the industry.

“DXI 2026 marks the 18th edition and has consistently served as a space for the growth of Indonesia’s adventure sports ecosystem. This year’s event once again reinforces its role as a collaborative platform that sustainably strengthens the diving, outdoor, and extreme sports industries,” he said.

Jhon Thet said the partnership with DXI was an important step in connecting Indonesia with the global diving and adventure industry network.

ADEX has expanded across multiple countries, with Indonesia becoming one of the important pillars in that international network, he added.

The event also serves as an educational platform to raise public awareness of marine tourism.

DXI 2026 features more than 137 exhibitors from Indonesia and overseas, showcasing the latest equipment and technology ranging from scuba diving and freediving gear to outdoor activities such as rock climbing and trail running.

In addition to the exhibition, visitors can take part in interactive programs including diving experiences, outdoor activities, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions with industry practitioners. Family-friendly attractions have also been included to broaden appeal across visitor segments.