Indonesia targets 16–17.6 million foreign visits through tourism zones
The government is targeting around US$24 billion in tourism foreign exchange earnings in 2026, with promotion and transport links among its priorities.
Indonesia aims to draw 16–17.6 million foreign tourist visits in 2026 through six tourism Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said at a press conference.
Hartarto put the tourism sector’s foreign exchange earnings target at around US$24 billion. The six zones are Mandalika, Kura-Kura Bali, Tanjung Kelayang, Tanjung Lesung, Lido and Likupang.
In outlining the zones’ economic prospects for 2027, the minister gave visitor targets and projected economic values for four locations:
- Kura-Kura Bali: 600,000 tourists and Rp600 billion in economic value, particularly once outlets in the zone start operating. Foreign exchange earnings are projected at US$3.66 billion.
- Mandalika: a projected 1.6 million tourists and economic value of Rp8.6 trillion.
- Tanjung Lesung: a target of 1.5 million tourist visits, with estimated economic value of Rp3 trillion.
- Lido: a target of 220,000 tourist visits and Rp352 billion in economic value. Foreign exchange earnings are projected at US$1.8 billion.
Hartarto said meeting the targets would require promotion and better connectivity. He wants the Ministry of Tourism to coordinate domestic and international promotion of the zones, strengthen tourism workforce skills and develop a calendar of tourism events.
The government is also encouraging collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation to improve connectivity, particularly through airport development and airline services.
Indonesia has 25 SEZs across several sectors. Cumulative investment since their establishment has reached Rp382.1 trillion. Investment realised between January and September 2026 totalled Rp46 trillion, creating 53,000 additional jobs.
