September 9, 2026 | 06:34 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana expressed optimism that the country’s tourism sector will maintain its growth trajectory despite a recent wave of volcanic eruptions disrupting travel.
“Of course, we must remain optimistic. We need to be adaptive in adjusting our strategies. Our strength lies in encouraging visits from both foreign and domestic tourists,” Widiyanti said after attending an event at the NHI Bandung Tourism Polytechnic on Tuesday.
According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Indonesia recorded 8.98 million foreign tourist arrivals between January and July 2026. The figure represents a 5.23 percent year-on-year increase and the highest level of arrivals recorded since 2020.
During the seven-month period, tourists from neighboring Malaysia accounted for the largest share of arrivals at 15 percent, followed by visitors from Australia at 12.34 percent and China at 10.28 percent.
The minister acknowledged that recent volcanic activity, particularly the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, has posed a significant challenge to the tourism industry.
Data from the Transportation Ministry showed that the eruption recently forced the temporary closure of seven airports across Lampung, Banten, and West Java. The closures disrupted nearly 3,000 domestic and international flights, affecting approximately 341,000 passengers.
Widiyanti expressed relief that all seven affected airports had reopened on Tuesday, attributing the swift handling of the severe flight disruptions to coordination among ministries.
“Hopefully, there will be no further disruption, as disruptions significantly affect our tourism sector. We want to continue the 5.23 percent growth. Therefore, we must work harder to promote and improve the quality of Indonesia’s tourism sector,” she said.
Fact Check: Are All Volcanoes in Indonesia Erupting Simultaneously?
3 menit lalu
Fact Check - Claims that all volcanoes in Indonesia are erupting simultaneously are false; only four volcanoes were erupting in early September 2026.
Indonesia Arrests Suspected Financier Behind Illegal Logging in Kalimantan
40 menit lalu
Indonesia arrests a suspected financier behind illegal logging in Central Kalimantan after a three-month manhunt, authorities say.
Indonesia Sees Pencak Silat as Bridge for Sports Ties With Japan
48 menit lalu
Indonesia sees pencak silat as a potential bridge for sports diplomacy and stronger people-to-people ties with Japan.
Indonesia Restructures Whoosh Debt With US$56 Million Annual Payments
1 jam lalu
Indonesia restructures Whoosh debt over 80 years, with annual payments of around US$56.7 million to ease the government's fiscal burden.
Japan Sends 180 Personnel, 3 Helicopters to Support Indonesia's Forest Fire Response
1 jam lalu
Japan deploys 180 personnel and three Chinook helicopters to support Indonesia's forest and land fire response in West Kalimantan.
Indonesia, US Expand Pacts on AI, Child Protection in Digital Space
7 jam lalu
The two sides discussed AI development and policies to protect children in digital spaces.
Retired Warship KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara Set for Sale After DPR Approval
16 jam lalu
Indonesia's Parliament approves the sale of retired KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara, a Yugoslav-built warship decommissioned in 2019.
How Far Has BPS Progressed in Revising Indonesia's Poverty Standard?
19 jam lalu
BPS is reviewing the poverty line methodology to reflect changes in consumption patterns and Indonesia's socio-economic conditions.
Is It Safe to Travel to Indonesia After Volcanic Eruption? Latest Advice
20 jam lalu
Is it safe to travel to Indonesia after the volcanic eruption? Here is the latest advice on flights, airports, health and refunds.
Seven Indonesian Airports Remain Closed After Anak Krakatau Eruption
22 jam lalu
Seven Indonesian airports remain closed as Anak Krakatau's volcanic ash disrupts flights, affecting 170,000 passengers and stranding travelers.
