August 8, 2025 | 11:02 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s tourism industry has made a major leap in the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2024 ranking, rising 10 places to 22nd out of 119 countries. This achievement places Indonesia as the second-highest ranked country in Southeast Asia, just behind Singapore.
Bank Indonesia (BI) has supported this progress by strengthening digital infrastructure, particularly through expanding the use of the QRIS cross-border payment system.
“In the WEF, Indonesia’s tourism has seen a significant jump. We now rank second in Southeast Asia, after Singapore,” said Senior Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia, Destry Damayanti, during the opening of the talk show Next-Gen Tourism: Smart Competition, Great Development, and Sustainable Growth at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC) on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
Destry highlighted BI’s commitment to advancing digital payment systems to further support tourism. One key initiative is expanding QRIS across borders. The system is already in use with Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Japan is next, with its launch scheduled for August 17, followed by partnerships with China and for Umrah pilgrimage use.
She added that this aligns with the government’s broader efforts to strengthen the creative economy and tourism, which are major contributors to national GDP and employment. “The payment system under BI will continue to evolve, making tourism in Indonesia more convenient,” she said.
Beyond improving payment systems, Destry encouraged stakeholders to develop destinations outside Bali, which has long dominated Indonesia’s tourism image. She mentioned Buleleng in North Bali as an area with strong potential that has begun attracting government attention.
“I just heard from the Deputy Minister that Buleleng has tremendous potential,” she said.
The government is also calling on younger generations to explore more local destinations before opting to travel abroad. “Before Generations X, Z, and Alpha wander off to other countries, let’s introduce them to Indonesia’s hidden gems,” Destry urged.
Editor’s Choice: BI: QRIS Surpasses 57 Million Users, Expands Globally
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Bank Indonesia Reports 7% Base Money Growth in July, Down from June
12 jam lalu
The growth of the base money supply in July slowed down compared to the previous month.
Bali's Waterblow Tourist Site Temporarily Closed Due to High Waves
12 jam lalu
ITDC enhances security measures around Waterblow and Nusa Dua, focusing on the Peninsula Island and Nusa Dharma Island.
Dubai Welcomes Nearly 10 Million Foreign Visitors by Midyear 2025
1 hari lalu
During the first half of 2025, the number of international visitors to Dubai reached 9.88 million, with the highest number coming from Europe
BI: QRIS Surpasses 57 Million Users, Expands Globally
2 hari lalu
BI launched QRIS Tanpa Pindai (QRIS TAP) for the transportation sector in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
7 Most Beautiful Beaches in Indonesia According to Foreign Tourists
3 hari lalu
A list of the most breathtaking beaches in Indonesia, from the hidden ones in Lombok to the more remote ones in Anambas, as compiled by an American traveler and journalist.
BMKG Issues Warning for 6-Meter-High Waves in Parts of Indonesian Waters
3 hari lalu
Stay Alert for the BMKG's early warning regarding high waves in several maritime areas for the next three days.
Garuda Indonesia Launches New Jakarta-Bali Flight Route via Halim Airport
3 hari lalu
Garuda Indonesia opens a new route connecting Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta with Bali.
New Zealand to Charge Foreign Tourists Visiting Popular Nature Destinations
4 hari lalu
The charges will be imposed at popular natural tourist sites, such as Milford Track, Mount Cook, and Cathedral Cove in New Zealand.
KKP Unveils Rampant Illegal Mining Activities on Riau's Small Islands
6 hari lalu
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has sealed a number of locations on small islands that are used for illegal mining sites.
Independent Clean Energy Just for Show
7 hari lalu
Claiming to encourage the growth of renewable energy, 2 new power plants in Bali will run on gas. They could potentially damage the coastal ecosystem.
