Central Java Ranks Second in National Muslim-Friendly Tourism Index
Central Java (Jateng) ranked second nationally among Muslim-friendly tourism destinations in the 2026 Indonesia Muslim Travel Index (IMTI).
Last year, Central Java was in fifth place. The improvement offers the provincial government an opportunity to expand Muslim-friendly tourism services and strengthen the region’s tourism competitiveness.
The award was received by Central Java Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Maimoen (Gus Yasin), representing Governor Ahmad Luthfi, at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC) on Friday (16 October).
Gus Yasin said the improved ranking would spur the provincial government to develop sustainable tourism integrated with Muslim-friendly services and a stronger sharia economy.
“Alhamdulillah, this time we are in second place. This is a gift for all of us, for the people of Central Java, as we look towards 2027: sustainable tourism, Muslim-friendly tourism and the sharia economy,” Gus Yasin said.
He said the achievement was in line with the provincial government’s efforts to prepare a roadmap for developing Muslim-friendly tourism, focusing on improving the facilities and services Muslim travellers need.
The development plan covers hotels, culinary centres and facilities at tourist destinations. Gus Yasin said the provincial government wanted to ensure that Muslim-friendly services were more widely available and not concentrated in particular areas.
“We are working with Bank Indonesia and other stakeholders to create Muslim-friendly destinations,” he said.
One example is a hotel with separate swimming pools, a facility available in Karanganyar since 2024. Gus Yasin said this could serve as a model for developing similar services elsewhere.
“We need to accelerate and promote this so that it can grow in other areas, not just Karanganyar, but across Central Java,” he said.
Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said Indonesia ranked second among the world’s Muslim-friendly destinations in the 2026 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), with a score of 79. It was the country’s highest score since it began participating in the index.
“This achievement further demonstrates Indonesia’s readiness and competitiveness,” Widiyanti said.
She said Indonesia had a strong foundation for developing Muslim-friendly tourism, as halal food, prayer facilities and services tailored to Muslim needs were already part of everyday life in the country.
However, that potential must be matched by higher service standards and easier access to information if Indonesia is to attract Muslim travellers from around the world.
“Muslim travel is not a niche market. It is one of the most promising global tourism markets,” she said.
Widiyanti projected that international trips by Muslim travellers would reach 262 million by 2030, with annual spending estimated at around US$310 billion. The scale of the opportunity must be matched by efforts to increase both visitor numbers and spending.
The IMTI is one tool for encouraging improvements in destination quality at the regional level. Widiyanti added that the index measures provincial readiness to provide Muslim-friendly services and travel experiences, adapting the GMTI assessment framework, which covers access, communication, environment and services.
“IMTI 2026 is expected to serve as a guide for local governments as they continue to improve the quality and competitiveness of Muslim-friendly tourism destinations,” the tourism minister said.