Bangga, Sektor Pariwisata Berkontribusi Besar pada Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Indonesia

Economic growth context (Q2 2025)

Indonesia’s economy grew 5.12% in Q2 2025, and the discussion highlights tourism as a key contributor. The Minister of Tourism argues that tourism-related sectors posted strong growth, helped lift overall economic activity, and benefited from both government incentives and holiday travel demand.

Tourism’s contribution to GDP growth (sector links)

The Minister identifies four high-growth sectors directly connected to tourism:

• Other services: +11.31% (linked to travel and tourist visits)
• Corporate services: +9.31%
• Transportation & warehousing: +8.52% (driven by tourists renting cars, buses, and motorbikes)
• Accommodation & food/beverage: +8.04%

She also reports tourism demand growth in Q2 2025 vs. Q2 2024:

• Domestic tourist trips: +22.32%
• International tourist arrivals: +13.96%

Why tourism growth turned positive

Key drivers mentioned include:

• Higher mobility during holidays, including national holidays, collective leave, and school and religious holidays
• Supply-side government stimulus, such as:
  • discounted travel costs (tickets/transport)
  • lower toll rates during holiday periods
• Demand-side support, including:
  • social assistance
  • wage subsidies
  • 13th salary (THR/bonus-related support) to strengthen purchasing power and encourage domestic travel
• Rising inbound tourism, including visitors from Malaysia, Singapore, China, and Australia—with commentary that Chinese travelers have resumed broader overseas travel (after earlier restrictions)

Tourism and exports/trade balance

A key clarification is that tourism’s “export” effect comes from foreign tourists bringing spending/capital into Indonesia, which is recorded as export services (foreign exchange input). As international visits rise, Indonesia’s trade balance is supported.

Shift from quantity to “quality tourism”

The Minister stresses that improving visitor numbers is important, but the Ministry prioritizes quality over quantity, aiming for:

• longer stays and higher spending per visit (increasing average spend/foreign exchange)
• development and promotion of special-interest tourism, specifically:
  • culinary/gastronomy
  • marine/water-based experiences
  • wellness

She also notes that Indonesia’s large marine resources provide an advantage, positioning it strongly relative to other countries with established maritime tourism.

Concrete government actions (Q2 2025 policy approach)

Government support is framed as operating on both sides:

• Supply-side: discounts for flights, trains, ships, and toll fees during major holidays (e.g., Eid, Christmas/New Year, school holidays)
• Demand-side: boosting consumption through social assistance and bonuses/subsidies

Targets, campaigns, and events

The Ministry sets goals such as tourism contributing to national GDP (noted as 5% by a future year, alongside broader national growth ambitions). Seasonal and event-based promotions include:

• Independence Day-linked promotions and tour packages
• Campaigns around Nataru (end-of-year/New Year period)
• Hosting “Karisma Event” / Festival Nusantara programs throughout the year
• Discussion of Pacu Jalur (traditional racing), supported since 2022 under the broader “Karisma Nusantara” programming; this year includes efforts to draw more international attention (e.g., involving ambassadors via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Closing message: tourism as a resilient strategic sector

The final takeaway is that tourism is presented as a strategic, resilient driver of Indonesia’s economy during global uncertainty—acting as a pillar for economic recovery, provided that the right policy support continues and benefits are distributed.

Presenters / contributors

• Widianti Putri Ordana — Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia
• Imam — interviewer/host (Mas Imam / Mr. Imam)

Other mentioned contributors (not interviewed):

• Coordinating Minister
• Minister of Finance
• President Prabowo Subianto
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Ministry of Cooperatives
• Defense University
• red-and-white cooperative (credited in program discussions)