A few bitesize news stories and tourism developments making the headlines in Indonesia in recent weeks:
Dieng Culture Festival 2026 boosts Indonesia’s global tourism image
The Ministry of Tourism has described the 2026 Dieng Culture Festival (DCF) as a strategic event to strengthen Indonesia’s authentic tourism image while enhancing the global competitiveness of its destinations. The Secretary to the Deputy for Event Development and Management at the Ministry of Tourism, Titik Lestari, said during the opening of DCF 2026 in Central Java, that the 16th edition of the festival had gained strength because it had grown and developed from the local community.
(source: ANTARA)
Dos and Don’ts for tourist behaviour in Bali: latest guidelines
Bali authorities are stepping up enforcement of laws and local customs following a series of incidents involving foreign visitors, with 342 foreigners deported in the first half of 2026 for offences including visa violations and breaches of public-order rules. Travellers are being reminded to respect religious sites and traditions, avoid antisocial behaviour and ensure they have the correct visa for any paid or commercial activity, including sponsored social media content.
(source: Nine.com.au)
Garuda offers free flights to spread tourism beyond Bali
Indonesia’s national airline, Garuda Indonesia, has announced 170,845 complimentary domestic seats to 33 Indonesian destinations for international passengers travelling until 30 November. Garuda Indonesia executive Prina Eka Putri says the free domestic flight programme isn’t so much designed to divert people from Bali in the first instance, but to encourage them to pair it with another Indonesian destination. Think Bali then Yogyakarta, Komodo/Labuan Bajo, Lombok, Sumatra or Sulawesi.
(source: SMH.com.au)
President welcomes new Indonesia-Thailand flights
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the launch of new direct air routes connecting key cities in Indonesia and Thailand, highlighting expanded aviation connectivity as a vital driver for strengthening people-to-people ties and boosting regional tourism. “In terms of connectivity, we welcome the opening of new direct flight routes from Jakarta to Bangkok and Denpasar to Phuket, which are expected to further strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries,” President Prabowo said in a joint press statement with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, 3 August.
(source: Tempo)
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