Indonesia’s tourism sector is on a powerful upward trajectory as it enters Q2 of 2025, with recent data revealing a dramatic resurgence in international arrivals. After years of pandemic-era disruptions, the archipelago is once again asserting its place as one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse travel destinations.
In 2024, the country welcomed 13.9 million international tourists, a 19% increase from the previous year and the highest number recorded in the past 5 years, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. This strong performance has emboldened the government to set even more ambitious targets for 2025.
Indonesia is now expecting to welcome between 14.6 and 16 million foreign visitors in 2025, with US$19–22.1 billion in foreign exchange earnings projected. In this article, we’ll reveal the main drivers of this growth, and offer a glimpse at the road ahead.
Bali Leads the Way
Much of Indonesia’s recent tourism growth has been powered by perennial travellers’ favourite Bali, which drew more than 6.3 million international tourists in 2024 alone. In 2025, the Island of the Gods aims to top that with 6.5 million foreign arrivals expected.
Australia remains Bali’s leading source market, with India and China not far behind. The island’s enduring allure is being leveraged by government efforts to diversify offerings beyond its beaches, including wellness tourism, digital nomad hubs and community-based cultural experiences.
Expanding Markets and Better Access
Key source countries contributing to the surge include Malaysia (2.27 million visitors), Australia (1.67 million) and Singapore (1.4 million). Infrastructure upgrades—particularly in airports and inter-island connectivity—are helping facilitate smoother travel experiences across the archipelago.
Meanwhile, ongoing reforms to Indonesia’s visa policy, such as the Visa Free Short Stay (BVKS) initiative, are expected to make visiting even easier for travellers from priority markets.
Beyond Bali: A Nationwide Revival
Indonesia is actively working to promote tourism beyond traditional destinations like Bali, spotlighting its “10 New Balis” initiative and emphasising eco-friendly and cultural tourism. From the volcanic lakes of North Sumatra to the marine biodiversity of Raja Ampat and the ancient temples of Central Java, travellers are increasingly seeking out experiences that reflect the nation’s vast natural and cultural heritage.
Festivals, culinary events, and village-based tourism have also seen a resurgence in recent times, drawing domestic travellers in record numbers. The government’s 2025 target of 1.08 billion domestic trips is expected to be met through a combination of infrastructure improvements, digital booking innovations and lifestyle-driven campaigns aimed at younger Indonesians.
Looking Ahead
Indonesia’s success in reigniting its tourism economy can be attributed to a multi-pronged approach: strong government commitment, targeted marketing and an industry-wide shift toward sustainability and quality over quantity. With bold targets for visitor numbers and economic contribution, the nation is not just aiming to recover—it’s expecting to thrive.
For travel companies, investors and cultural partners, Indonesia in 2025 presents a landscape of enormous opportunity. With momentum building and a government eager to support the sector’s growth, it looks like the tourism boom is here to stay.
