Indonesian Tourist Spending Abroad Hits US$6.7 Billion

August 26, 2026 | 05:25 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that spending by Indonesian tourists traveling abroad has reached US$6.7 billion. During the first half of 2026, Indonesians logged 4.46 million overseas trips, down 2.40 percent from the same period in 2025.

"If a portion of this spending could be redirected toward domestic shopping, it would be good," Airlangga said during the Indonesia Retail Summit and Expo (IRSE) in Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jakarta, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

According to him, these figures present a major opportunity for domestic retailers, particularly members of the Indonesian Retailers and Tenant Association (Hippindo). He noted that shopping tourism could be as a fresh growth catalyst alongside culinary ventures and traditional sightseeing.

This potential is further backed by Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data, which recorded 7.45 million foreign tourist arrivals in the first half of 2026. The figure reflects a 5.71 percent increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025.

Meanwhile, domestic tourist journeys reached 630.41 million trips in the first half of 2026, rising 2.71 percent from the previous year.

"For the government, this is low-hanging fruit, while for retailers, the momentum is already here," Airlangga said.

Hippindo Chairperson Budiharjo Iduansjah noted that brick-and-mortar retail relies heavily on foot traffic. He added that business owners are counting on government support to maintain stable economic and political conditions.

Job creation can also expand through new store openings, efficient goods distribution, stable pricing, and reliable inventory. "To achieve this, we need active collaboration among all stakeholders," Budiharjo said at the event on Wednesday.

Read: Why Indonesians Are Becoming Pickier About Where They Travel

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