Indef Confident Eid Holiday Will Boost Tourism and Regional Economic Activity
The Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) is confident that Ramadhan and Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah will not only increase consumer spending but also drive the tourism sector and economy across various regions.
Nur Komaria, researcher at Indef’s Centre for Digital Economy and SMEs, stated during an online discussion monitored from Jakarta on Monday that the Eid period consistently serves as a catalyst for economic circulation across multiple sectors, including tourism, hospitality, transport, and logistics.
“During the Eid season, consumer spending typically increases, and various sectors benefit, including the food and beverage sector or food industry, as well as the tourism and hospitality sectors, transport and logistics, and e-commerce,” she said.
According to Komaria, increased public mobility during the Eid holiday creates opportunities for domestic tourism destinations to attract more visitors, both domestic and international.
Komaria believes Indonesia has significant potential in the tourism sector, supported by rich natural resources and diverse tourism destinations. However, maximising this potential requires strengthened infrastructure and improved tourist facilities and comfort.
She cited several of Indonesia’s flagship destinations with world-class appeal, such as Raja Ampat in West Papua, which is globally recognised for its natural beauty and could become a major tourism draw if supported by adequate facilities and accessibility.
Beyond infrastructure, developing a tourism ecosystem involving local communities and SMEs is also considered important. According to Komaria, the tourism sector cannot stand alone but must be connected with various supporting sectors such as culinary, crafts, and travel services.
“I believe the government could also provide stimulus and programmes, and cooperate with tourism providers such as tour and travel agencies to provide incentives,” she said.
Meanwhile, digital technology advancement is also a driving factor in strengthening the tourism sector. Digital payment convenience, such as through QRIS, increasingly facilitates tourist transactions at various destinations.
According to her observations, digital payment usage has shown a significant upward trend in recent years. In the second quarter of 2025, digital payment transactions even grew by 148.5 percent year-on-year.
She believes increasingly widespread digital infrastructure support will encourage public interest in visiting various destinations across Indonesia.
Additionally, tourism promotion through digital media and the role of influencers are also seen as capable of helping introduce more Indonesian tourism destinations to the public.