A few bitesize news stories and tourism developments making the headlines in Indonesia in recent weeks:
Indonesia targets 17.6 million tourist visits through tourism SEZs
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto is targeting 16-17.6 million foreign tourist visits by 2026 through six tourism-sector Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The six SEZs in question include the Mandalika SEZ, the Kura-Kura Bali SEZ, the Tanjung Kelayang SEZ, the Tanjung Lesung SEZ, the Lido SEZ, and the Likupang SEZ.
(source: ANTARA News)
Indonesia rises to second place in Global Muslim Travel Index 2026
Indonesia has secured second place globally in the 2026 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), climbing from fifth place in 2025 and achieving its highest-ever score since it began participating in the index for Muslim-friendly tourism. Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana shared the news during the 32nd graduation ceremony of the Bali Tourism Polytechnic (Poltekpar Bali) in Badung Regency on Thursday, 22 October.
(source: Tempo)
Indonesia seeks to expand connectivity for Australian tourists
The Ministry of Tourism is encouraging Australian tourists to explore Indonesia’s leading destinations beyond Bali through the optimization of morning flight schedules. With Beyond Bali connectivity, foreign tourists now have easier access to 11 priority destinations across Indonesia, including Lombok, Wakatobi and Manado.
Indonesia eyes football events to promote tourism
Sports events such as football, as a form of sport tourism, could help promote Indonesian tourism, Tourism Ministry Acting Deputy for Event Organizer Development Hafiz Agung Rifai has said. Rifai said football is a universal language that unites people regardless of nationality, culture and belief. Rifai said Indonesia’s population is “more than 270 million, and most of them love football very much” at a press conference for “OGFC Legends Manchester United 2008 vs Persija Legends” on Friday.
(source: ANTARA News)
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