Millions of Foreign Tourists Visit Indonesia in January, with Half Flocking to Bali

Jakarta — Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported on foreign tourist arrivals in the country during January 2026. Ateng Hartono, Deputy for Statistics of Distribution and Services at BPS, disclosed that foreign tourist arrivals through major entry points reached 1.014 million people.

This figure represented a monthly decline of approximately 17.06%, compared to 1.223 million arrivals in December 2025. However, on an annual basis, foreign tourist arrivals increased by 1.11%, rising from 1.003 million visitors in January 2025.

“In January 2026, foreign tourist arrivals through major entry points totalled 1.014 million people, declining 17.06% month-on-month. However, on an annual basis, arrivals increased by 11%,” Ateng stated during a press conference on Monday, 2 March 2026.

In greater detail, by country of origin, the largest share of foreign tourists came from Malaysia, reaching 150,500 visits or approximately 14.8% of total foreign arrivals in Indonesia. Other significant sources included Australia with 145,900 visits or 14.4%, China with 105,300 visits or 10.4%, and Singapore with 102,000 visits or 10.1%.

“The largest share of foreign tourists came predominantly from Malaysia at 14.8%, followed by Australia at 14.4% and China at 10.4%,” Ateng added.

However, arrivals from Malaysia and Australia experienced declines in the past month of 20.19% and 5.65% respectively, whilst Chinese tourist arrivals increased by 11.31%. On an annual basis, Australian tourist arrivals grew by 0.3%, whilst Malaysian and Chinese arrivals declined by 0.53% and 3.51% respectively.

Regarding entry points, foreign tourists predominantly entered through Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar, Bali, which handled 500,121 visitors, followed by Soekarno-Hatta Airport with 212,826 visitors, and Hang Nadim Airport in Batam with 124,205 visitors.

“Based on major entry points, the largest share of foreign tourist arrivals occurred through Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport, reaching 500,121 visitors,” he said.