JAKARTA - Indonesia recorded an 8.24 per cent increase in foreign tourist arrivals between January and April 2026 despite ongoing global geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.

The Government Communications Agency, known as Bakom, said the country welcomed 4.68 million foreign tourists during the period, up from 4.33 million in the same period in 2025.

Bakom head Muhammad Qodari said the growth reflected resilient demand supported by adaptive marketing strategies, as reported by Antara.

He added that the performance showed Indonesia’s tourism sector remained strong despite external challenges.

Average tourist spending also rose by 5.36 per cent to US$1,345.61 per visit.

Foreign exchange earnings from tourism increased by 6.30 per cent year-on-year to Rp68.28 trillion (about US$3.84 billion).

Tourism’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2026 was estimated at between 4.01 per cent and 5.00 per cent, which was equivalent to around Rp248 trillion to Rp309 trillion.

The government said it continues to strengthen the sector through the development of more than 6,200 tourist villages across the country.

Efforts are also being made to improve tourism quality through cooperation with the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) and other strategic partners.

Indonesia is targeting 125 tourism events across 30 provinces throughout 2026.

So far, 38 events have been held, attracting 1.19 million visitors and generating Rp85 billion in economic turnover.