InJourney Prepares Eid Celebrations at Ancient Temples, Targeting Tourism Surge from 2026 Holiday Exodus
An estimated 144 million people are expected to travel during the 2026 Eid holiday exodus, returning to their hometowns or taking holidays. This substantial mobility is viewed as a significant opportunity for the tourism sector, particularly in Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta, which are popular destinations for holiday travellers. PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero), or InJourney, sees this as a potential boost to visitor numbers across its managed destinations.
Yudhistira Setiawan, Corporate Secretary Senior Vice President of InJourney, said the high mobility during the Eid period indicates not only significant travel volumes but also an extended period compared to previous years, due to proximity with Nyepi Day and work-from-home policies combined with public holidays.
“This holiday period is quite long, around 18 days. InJourney wants to ensure that people’s journeys are comfortable, smooth, and safe upon arrival,” he said during a press conference for Eid at the Temples held at Prambanan Temple on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
During the Eid holiday period, InJourney predicts increased passenger numbers at its managed airports. Yudhistira stated that InJourney currently operates 37 airports throughout Indonesia. However, historically there are five airports with the highest traffic that serve as national mobility hubs: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Juanda International Airport, Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, and Kualanamu International Airport.
“During this Eid holiday period, we predict an increase of approximately 9 million passengers at InJourney’s airports, representing a 2 per cent increase compared to the previous year,” Yudhistira said.
These airports will operate 24 hours with additional personnel and service desks to ensure smooth travel. “This demonstrates InJourney’s commitment to ensuring that this holiday exodus runs smoothly, safely, and comfortably,” he said.
Regarding tourist destinations, Yudhistira stated that visitor increases are estimated to reach 15 per cent. At Prambanan Temple, visitor numbers are predicted to reach approximately 129,000 people, whilst Borobudur Temple is expected to receive around 83,000 visitors. Additionally, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is estimated to receive approximately 137,000 visitors, and the heritage destination Ratu Boko is expected to attract around 7,000 tourists during the Eid holiday period.
Yudhistira assured that InJourney continues to transform several heritage destinations to provide new experiences for visitors. For example, Borobudur Temple development is being directed towards becoming a world-class spiritual heritage destination and centre for spiritual activities, including Waisak celebrations.
Prambanan Temple is being developed as a living cultural destination featuring various festivals and artistic performances. The Ratu Boko area is being developed as an experiential heritage destination that utilises natural landscapes, including as one of the best vantage points to enjoy sunsets in Yogyakarta.
“This is both an opportunity and hope for us that holiday travellers will visit InJourney’s managed tourist destinations. Especially during the second day of Eid, which usually coincides with leisure travel, when people typically begin sightseeing with their families and attractions become crowded. We hope our InJourney destinations will experience significant increases,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, Gistang Panutur, Commercial Director of InJourney Destination Management, acknowledged that tourism surges typically occur after Eid, when communities begin recreational activities with their families.
“Our destinations have unique periods. Eid leisure travel typically begins on Day 1 after Eid. On Eid day itself, perhaps in the afternoon or evening, and from Day 1 to Day 29 thereafter,” he said.
Given the substantial number of holiday travellers coming to or passing through Central Java and Yogyakarta, the company predicts a minimum 5 per cent increase in visitors to InJourney-managed destinations. According to Gistang, increasing visitor numbers during the Eid period also presents challenges for destination managers to maintain optimal service quality.
To anticipate the tourism surge, IDM is implementing various operational measures, including enhanced security systems, visitor flow management, and coordination with relevant authorities such as transportation departments, police, and healthcare facilities in tourism areas.
“We also anticipate the large number of people coming to Central Java and Yogyakarta, which presents another challenge for us to maintain service quality, safety, and security for our visitors,” Gistang said.
“Year after year, conditions differ, because Eid is indeed a moment anticipated once a year by tourists and Muslim communities. We will attempt to provide meaningful experiences with every visit,” he added.
During the 2026 Eid holiday period, visitors can access the sites during designated operating hours: Borobudur Temple from 6:30–16:30 (Western Indonesia Time), Prambanan Temple from 6:00–17:00, and Ratu Boko Palace from 7:00–17:15. Through these comprehensive preparations, IDM is ready to welcome tourists to celebrate the festive occasion in a safe, comfortable atmosphere.