Indonesia’s tourism sector is entering 2026 with continued growth, as recent data from Statistics Indonesia and industry sources indicate that international arrivals exceeded 15 million in 2025, nearing pre-pandemic levels.
Domestic travel also remained strong, surpassing one billion trips across the archipelago. Early figures for 2026 suggest sustained demand, with more than one million foreign visitors recorded in January.
Government policy is increasingly shifting away from focusing solely on visitor volume toward prioritizing what officials describe as higher-value tourism.
Targets for 2026 include more than 16 million international arrivals, but with greater emphasis on longer stays, higher spending per trip, and stronger economic benefits for local communities. This approach follows concerns about overtourism, particularly in Bali, where visitor numbers have already exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
Measures such as visitor levies and behavioral guidelines have been introduced to address pressure on infrastructure and cultural sites.
According to The Traveler, authorities are also working to distribute tourism more evenly across regions, including Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and the emerging capital of Nusantara.
Strategies highlight the development of experiences that encourage longer itineraries and promote local heritage. Nature-based accommodations and cultural events are playing a central role in this repositioning.
In West Java, the highland area of Ciwidey has seen a rise in glamping developments, with operators offering dome tents, cabins, and other accommodations near tea plantations, crater lakes, and hot springs.
Increased demand for short-haul, nature-focused travel among domestic visitors has contributed to higher booking activity in 2024 and 2025. These properties often combine outdoor settings with amenities such as private bathrooms and Wi-Fi, broadening their appeal to families and first-time campers.
Local tourism data indicates that overnight stays in areas like Ciwidey and Pangalengan are helping extend visitor spending beyond traditional day trips, supporting nearby communities through guiding services, food, and crafts.
On the cultural side, the Prambanan Shiva Festival has expanded its programming in 2026, running from mid-January and culminating in Maha Shivaratri on February 15. Held at the Prambanan Temple Complex, the event includes dance, music, heritage tours, and religious observances.
Tourism planners are positioning the festival as part of broader itineraries that include destinations such as Yogyakarta’s palace district, Borobudur, and Mount Merapi, with the aim of extending visitor stays in Central Java.
Industry observers note that these developments align with global demand for more meaningful travel experiences, particularly among younger and higher-spending segments. Indonesia’s tourism strategy for 2025 to 2029 emphasizes community-based tourism, including village stays, agro-tourism, and conservation-linked activities.
The success of these initiatives will depend on how effectively they balance visitor growth with environmental management and community participation.
Forecasts suggest Indonesia could receive between 16 and 17 million international visitors in 2026, alongside more than 1.1 billion domestic trips. While Bali is expected to remain a key gateway, national efforts continue to promote alternative destinations. Improved air and land connectivity to secondary cities is supporting the growth of eco-lodges, glamping sites, and cultural tourism routes.
For business operators in the outdoor hospitality and glamping sectors, Indonesia’s evolving strategy highlights opportunities in developing experience-led accommodations, forming partnerships with local communities, and aligning with sustainability expectations.
At the same time, the shift toward managed tourism flows underscores the importance of infrastructure planning, environmental safeguards, and differentiated offerings as competition within Southeast Asia intensifies.