High Airfares and Weak Rupiah Cause Drop in Indonesian Outbound Tourists in August 2026

The Indonesian Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has recorded a decline of almost 20 per cent in the number of national tourists (wisnas), or Indonesians travelling abroad. BPS cited several contributing factors, including the soaring cost of airfares.

“In August 2026, the number of trips by national tourists reached 643,693, a decrease of 19.81 per cent compared to July 2026 (which stood at 802,671),” stated Ateng Hartono, Deputy for Distribution and Services Statistics at BPS, during a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday (1/10/2026).

In addition to the month-on-month (m-o-m) decline, the number of national tourists also experienced a year-on-year (y-o-y) decrease. The figure of 643,693 in August 2026 represents a 6.02 per cent drop compared to the 684,934 recorded in August 2025.

Ateng explained that several factors led to this decline in August 2026, most notably the high cost of plane tickets. “We noted that the factors influencing the decrease in national tourists include, firstly, a reduction in the frequency of departing international flights, such as from Kualanamu. Secondly, relatively more expensive airfares, as well as the weakening value of the Rupiah,” Ateng revealed.

Furthermore, he noted that extreme weather conditions in several regions and countries were also contributing factors, alongside ongoing global geopolitical tensions.

Meanwhile, the number of international tourists (wisman), or foreigners visiting Indonesia, recorded an increase in August 2026, reaching its highest level in five years. “International arrivals in August 2026 reached 1,599,660 visits, up 4.89 per cent compared to July 2026. This is the highest level since 2021,” Ateng concluded.