Indonesia has experienced a notable increase in the number of foreign tourists in February 2026, with the total visits reaching 1.16 million, reflecting a growth of 13.37% compared to the same month last year. According to a report from the Central Statistics Agency of Indonesia (BPS), this rise comes at a time when the Indonesian tourism sector is witnessing a remarkable recovery after the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During a press conference held in the capital Jakarta, Atung Hartono, Deputy Head of the Statistics Department, reported that the total number of tourist visits from January to February 2026 reached 2.35 million visits, marking an increase of 7.77% compared to the same period last year. He noted that tourists from Malaysia were the most frequent visitors, totaling 199.22 thousand tourists, followed by tourists from China with 150.82 thousand tourists, and from Singapore with 109.33 thousand tourists.
Event Details
The report clarified that tourists from China experienced the largest annual increase in visits, rising by 68.89%, while visits from Singapore saw an increase of 21.81%. In contrast, visits from Malaysia decreased by 7.17%, indicating shifts in tourist preferences in the region.
Additionally, the data also revealed that domestic tourist movements in Indonesia (known as wisnus) reached 91.14 million trips in February 2026, reflecting a slight increase of 0.70% compared to the previous year. However, the total number of domestic tourist trips from January to February 2026 saw a minor decline of 0.17%.
Background & Context
Historically, Indonesia, regarded as one of the leading tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, has experienced fluctuations in tourist numbers due to economic and political crises, in addition to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic that led to a significant downturn in the tourism sector. As global recovery begins, Indonesia has started to reopen its doors to foreign tourists, contributing to the increase in visits.
Tourism is one of the main sources of national revenue in Indonesia, significantly contributing to the local economy and providing job opportunities. Therefore, any increase in the number of tourists reflects an improvement in economic conditions and positive future prospects.
Impact & Consequences
This increase in the number of foreign tourists is an indicator of the recovery of the tourism sector in Indonesia, which may lead to increased investments in this sector. Furthermore, this rise enhances job opportunities in hospitality, transportation, and trade, contributing to an improved standard of living for local residents.
Moreover, an increase in the number of tourists also signifies a higher demand for tourism services, which could lead to an enhancement in the quality of services provided. However, the Indonesian government must remain cautious of any potential negative impacts on the environment and local culture resulting from this tourist influx.
Regional Significance
Indonesia is a favored tourist destination for many Arab tourists, especially from Gulf countries. With the increase in foreign tourists, Indonesia may also witness a rise in the number of Arab tourists, strengthening cultural and economic ties between Arab countries and Indonesia. Additionally, this tourism revival may open new avenues for cooperation between Arab nations and Indonesia in tourism and trade sectors.
In conclusion, the increase in the number of foreign tourists to Indonesia reflects a remarkable recovery in the tourism sector, heralding a promising future for this vital sector. It is crucial for the government to continue supporting this trend by improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of tourism services.