Indonesian Tourist Spending Abroad Hits US$6.7 Billion

Indonesian tourists spent a staggering US$6.7 billion on international travel during the first half of 2026, according to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto. This figure represents a 2.40 percent decrease from the same period in 2025, with Indonesians making 4.46 million overseas trips.

Airlangga suggested that redirecting a portion of this spending to domestic retail could boost the economy. He made this statement during the Indonesia Retail Summit and Expo (IRSE) in Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jakarta on August 26, 2026. Hartarto highlighted shopping tourism as a potential growth catalyst, alongside culinary experiences and traditional sightseeing.

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data revealed that 7.45 million foreign tourists visited Indonesia in the first half of 2026, marking a 5.71 percent increase compared to 2025. Meanwhile, domestic tourist journeys reached 630.41 million trips in the same period, up 2.71 percent from the previous year.

Hippindo Chairperson Budiharjo Iduansjah emphasized that brick-and-mortar retail relies heavily on foot traffic. He expressed optimism about the current momentum and stressed the need for government support to maintain stable economic and political conditions. Iduansjah also noted that job creation could expand through new store openings, efficient goods distribution, stable pricing, and reliable inventory.

Achieving this goal, according to Iduansjah, requires active collaboration among all stakeholders.