A few bitesize news stories and tourism developments making the headlines in Indonesia in recent weeks:
A frontrunner in sports tourism: Bali’s International Run 2026
Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) is supporting the Adhyaksa International Run 2026 in Bali as part of efforts to boost sport tourism, local economic activity and digital financial inclusion. The event, which attracts around 3,500 runners from Indonesia and abroad, is positioned not just as a race, but as a cross-sector initiative linking sports, tourism and the creative economy, while also promoting cashless transactions and digital banking services.
(source: Tempo)
New fast boat services links Bali to Lombok
Lombok is seeing a surge in tourism demand in 2026, driven in part by a new and expanded fast boat network linking the island more directly with Bali. This improved connectivity is making it easier, faster and more affordable for travellers to combine both destinations, encouraging longer, multi-island itineraries and boosting Lombok’s appeal as an alternative to Bali’s more crowded hotspots.
(source: TTW)
Indonesia announces VAT exemption on economy flights
Indonesia has introduced a temporary policy to cover value-added tax (VAT) on domestic economy-class flight tickets, aiming to keep air travel affordable despite rising fuel costs. The measure, supported by government subsidies, helps offset increased fuel surcharges and limits ticket price increases, while supporting both the aviation sector and tourism demand.
(source: TTW)
Indonesia shifts tourism focus to Asia amid global disruption
The Indonesian Tourism Ministry is refocusing its international marketing strategy in response to the global crisis triggered by conflicts in the Middle East, which have affected the national tourism sector. “We are adopting a pivot strategy, shifting from a focus on European and American markets to placing greater emphasis on Asian markets,” the ministry’s deputy for marketing, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, said in a statement on Friday (24 April).
(source: ANTARA)
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