Due to Trump, Indonesians Flock to Japan - Thailand is Even Cheaper

Exchange rates are one of the key factors that tourists often monitor before travelling abroad, including Indonesians. This is because fluctuations in currency values significantly impact the costs incurred during holidays, from dining and transportation to shopping.

The weaker the destination country’s currency against the rupiah, the cheaper the expenses become for Indonesian tourists. This situation enhances the purchasing power of Indonesian travellers, as the same amount of rupiah can now yield more of the local currency upon exchange.

As is known, the Iran-US-Israel war has caused currencies in several countries to plummet, including the South Korean won and the Japanese yen.

The war, initiated by US President Donald Trump, has raised investor concerns, prompting them to withdraw funds from emerging markets and opt for US dollar-denominated investments.

CNBC Indonesia’s observations indicate that several Asian tourist destination currencies are currently weakening against the rupiah, including those of South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand.

South Korea Becomes the Most Attractive

South Korea stands out as the most appealing destination based on exchange rate movements. Over the past six months, the South Korean won has weakened against the rupiah from around Rp11.72 per won to Rp11.28 per won at Monday’s (6/4/2026) market close.

This represents a depreciation of about 3.79% against the rupiah. This weakening makes the costs lighter for Indonesian tourists.

Assuming an exchange of Rp10 million, six months ago that amount equated to approximately 852,733 won. Now, with the same nominal value, tourists can obtain around 886,289 won, meaning an additional 33,556 won.

This difference is certainly significant, especially for tourists planning to allocate larger budgets for dining, shopping, or entrance fees to various tourist spots.

In terms of destination cities, Seoul remains the primary choice due to attractions like palaces, shopping areas, and entertainment hubs. Meanwhile, Busan suits tourists seeking coastal city vibes, beaches, and cultural sites.

The average cost of a meal at a simple restaurant is around 10,000 won. At the current rate, this equates to about Rp112,830.

Seoul offers destinations such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and N Seoul Tower. Busan is renowned for Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Haedong Yonggungsa.

Japan

In addition to South Korea, Japan is also worth considering as a holiday destination for Indonesians. This country has long been one of the favourite tourist spots for Indonesian visitors. Besides the relatively short distance, Japan is often seen as more affordable compared to many other four-season countries.

Alongside the yen’s weakening against the US dollar, the Japanese currency has also depreciated against the rupiah. Over the past six months, the yen exchange rate has fallen by about 2.93% against the rupiah, from Rp109.99 per yen to Rp106.77 per yen.

This condition makes currency exchange slightly lighter for Indonesian tourists. Assuming a budget of Rp10 million, travellers can now obtain an additional 2,742 yen compared to six months ago.

This extra amount is enough to buy about two portions of ramen, with an average price of around 1,000 yen per serving in Tokyo. Moreover, the timing is quite apt for tourists heading to Japan to catch the cherry blossom season.

Taiwan Also Becoming More Wallet-Friendly for Indonesian Tourists

Besides South Korea and Japan, Taiwan shows a similar trend. This popular tourist destination, including among Indonesians, has seen its currency weaken against the rupiah.

Over the past six months, the Taiwanese dollar has declined against the rupiah from around Rp542.25 per Taiwanese dollar to Rp532.69 per Taiwanese dollar, meaning a weakening of about 1.76% against the rupiah.

The change is not as substantial as in South Korea or Japan. Nonetheless, this still provides benefits for those planning a trip there.

Assuming an exchange of Rp10 million, six months ago that amount equated to about 18,442 Taiwanese dollars. Now, with the same nominal value, tourists can get around 18,773 Taiwanese dollars.

In other words, there is an additional 331 Taiwanese dollars. Though not a large amount, it still offers an advantage for Indonesian tourists.

Thai Baht Weakens Since the Start of the Year

Meanwhile, for Thailand, the decline is evident on a year-to-date (YTD) basis.

Since the beginning of the year, the Thai baht has weakened by about 0.73% against the rupiah. From an initial rate of around Rp526.36 per baht, it has dropped to Rp522.5 at yesterday’s Monday close.

There is an additional 140 baht when exchanging Rp10 million now compared to the start of the year. While not as significant as South Korea or Japan, it still shows that currency exchange costs for Thailand are slightly lighter now than at the beginning of the year.

Thailand has long been known as a relatively close and familiar overseas tourist destination for Indonesians. Bangkok is the main hub for culinary and shopping tourism.

Meanwhile, Chiang Mai is preferred by tourists seeking cultural atmospheres, nature, and more relaxed travel.