The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism announced that the Eid al-Adha holiday in 2026 resulted in a remarkable increase in travel and tourism, with the number of travelers during the holiday period from March 13 to March 29, 2026, reaching approximately 147.55 million people. This increase reflects an improvement of 2.53% compared to initial forecasts.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Puspa, stated in a press conference held in Jakarta that about 12% of travelers, equivalent to 17.27 million people, took advantage of the Eid al-Adha holiday to travel to tourist destinations, representing a 6.3% increase from the previous year.
Details of the Event
During the Eid al-Adha holiday, the most popular tourist destinations included the Maliboro area in Yogyakarta, as well as areas such as Ancol, Monas, and Margasatwa Ragunan Park in Jakarta. Regions like Old City Semarang, Al Jabbar Mosque in Bandung, and Bangandaran Beach also saw a significant influx of tourists.
According to the data, total spending in the tourism sector rose from approximately 11.04 trillion rupiah in 2025 to 19.86 trillion rupiah in 2026, indicating a shift in consumption patterns from domestic consumption to experience-based consumption, particularly in the tourism sector.
Background & Context
Indonesia is considered one of the leading tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, boasting a cultural and natural diversity that makes it attractive to both domestic and international tourists. Historically, the country has witnessed significant growth in the tourism sector, especially during religious occasions like Eid al-Adha, when many Indonesians prefer to travel to explore new landmarks or visit family and relatives.
The Indonesian government aims to promote tourism as a key driver of the national economy, as tourism constitutes a substantial part of the gross domestic product. The ministry has launched several initiatives to improve tourism services, including infrastructure development and enhancing security at tourist sites.
Impact & Consequences
The figures indicate a noticeable increase in tourism activity, reflecting the success of government policies in attracting tourists. However, this success requires ongoing improvements in services and infrastructure to ensure a distinctive tourism experience. Additionally, the increase in tourism spending reflects a shift in consumer behavior towards seeking new and unique experiences.
This increase in tourism activity is a positive indicator of the recovery of the Indonesian economy following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, as many countries strive to restore their tourism activities.
Regional Significance
Tourism is a vital sector that contributes to enhancing economic and cultural relations between countries. Arab countries can benefit from the Indonesian experience in promoting both domestic and international tourism, especially during religious occasions. Furthermore, the increase in tourism activity in Indonesia may open new avenues for tourism cooperation between Arab countries and Indonesia.
In conclusion, the increase in tourism activity during the Eid al-Adha holiday of 2026 in Indonesia reflects the success of government efforts to enhance the tourism sector, contributing to the acceleration of the national economy and reinforcing Indonesia's status as a distinguished tourist destination.