BPS: Indonesian Travel Interest Remains High Despite Rising Fuel Prices

JAKARTA – Throughout 2026, fuel prices experienced an upward trend due to soaring global crude oil prices amid geo-economic and geopolitical uncertainty. However, this condition has not dampened the public’s interest in travelling.

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) reported that the number of foreign tourist arrivals to Indonesia in the first half of 2026 was the highest since 2020. The number of domestic tourists travelling within Indonesia during the same period also reached its highest point since 2019. Meanwhile, the number of Indonesian nationals travelling abroad saw a slight decline during the same period.

Regarding the development of foreign tourist arrivals, BPS data recorded 1.21 million visits through main entry points in June 2026 and 175,696 visits through border entry points, bringing the total to approximately 1.39 million visits. This figure rose by 0.32 percent month-to-month and increased by 2.15 percent year-on-year.

“Cumulatively, from January to June 2026, total foreign tourist visits reached 7.45 million, an increase of 5.71 percent compared to the same period in 2025. This achievement of foreign tourist visits from January to June 2026 is the highest since 2020,” said BPS Deputy for Distribution and Services Statistics Ateng Hartono.

The majority of foreign tourists came from Malaysia (18.66 percent), followed by Singapore (12.25 percent), and Australia (12.08 percent). On a monthly basis, visits from Singaporean and Australian passport holders increased, while Malaysian passport holders decreased. On an annual basis, visits from Malaysian and Australian passport holders increased, while Singaporean passport holders decreased.

Based on the main entry gate, most foreign tourists entered through Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali, dominated by Australian passport holders.

BPS recorded that the average spending of foreign tourists in the second quarter of 2026 reached 1,285 US dollars, or approximately Rp 23 million assuming an exchange rate of Rp 18,000 per US dollar. This figure decreased compared to the average spending in the first quarter of 2026 of 1,345.61 US dollars, but increased compared to the second quarter of 2025, which was 1,199.71 US dollars. The average length of stay for foreign tourists in the second quarter of 2026 was 10.39 nights, lower than the first quarter of 2026.

Based on the type of expenditure, in the second quarter of 2026, the largest proportion was allocated to accommodation at 37.21 percent, followed by food and beverages at 19.81 percent, and shopping and souvenirs at 11.04 percent.

“There was an increase in the proportion of foreign tourist spending on entertainment, vehicle rental, and domestic flights,” Ateng said.