Rupiah Weakens, Deputy Minister Says It Boosts Indonesia's Tourism Appeal

Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa stated that the rupiah’s weakening against the US dollar has actually boosted Indonesia’s appeal to tourists. Speaking at the Bali & Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) 2026 in Badung on Saturday, she said the current rupiah exchange rate makes Indonesia more attractive for tourists, who may choose to stay longer. ‘Yes, we see this (rupiah depreciation) as an opportunity for Indonesia to become more attractive to tourists,’ the Deputy Minister said at the event. To capitalise on this opportunity, the Ministry of Tourism is intensifying promotional efforts to attract more tourists, conducting sales missions and participating in various exhibitions to boost visitor numbers. ‘I believe the current situation presents an opportunity for Indonesia to become more appealing to tourists, encouraging longer stays than usual – it’s remarkable,’ Ni Luh Puspa added. She noted that the rupiah’s weakness is linked to geopolitical dynamics and conflicts in the Middle East. However, from January to March 2026, the tourism sector remained stable with higher visitor numbers compared to the same period in 2025. She hopes that by the second quarter of 2026, Bank Indonesia will record positive results in tourist arrivals and tourism foreign exchange earnings. To boost foreign tourist numbers amid global challenges, the Deputy Minister urged tourism businesses to shift their focus from distant markets to strengthening visits from neighbouring countries. ‘Strengthen short-haul and medium-haul markets, as these can substitute for European, American, and Middle Eastern markets that have declined due to geopolitical tensions,’ she added. ‘However, based on first-quarter figures, medium-haul and short-haul tourist numbers have risen, while some Middle Eastern markets have declined,’ Ni Luh Puspa said.