Foreign tourist arrivals in Indonesia reached 12.01 million from January through September 2026, representing the highest figure for that period since 2020, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS). This marks a 5.01 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025 amid ongoing recovery from COVID-19 travel disruptions.
September 2026 Arrivals and Source Markets
In September 2026, Indonesia received 1,427,114 foreign tourist visits, a 10.79 percent decline from August but a 2.31 percent increase year-on-year. Malaysia led the source countries with 239,000 visits, comprising 16.76 percent of the total arrivals. Australia followed with 177,350 visits (12.43 percent), while Chinese arrivals totaled 153,570 (10.76 percent). Singapore accounted for
9.42 percent of visits that month.
Chinese tourist arrivals surged 35.59 percent year-on-year in September 2026, despite a 5.53 percent drop from August. Malaysian arrivals fell 19.24 percent month-on-month, whereas Australian visitors increased 3.15 percent in the same period. These variations demonstrate fluctuating monthly trends among key markets.
Airport Entry Points and Bali’s Role
Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport remained Indonesia’s main gateway for foreign visitors in September 2026. The airport recorded the highest number of arrivals, with Australian passport holders constituting the dominant group through this entry point. Other primary airports included Soekarno-Hatta International Airport near Jakarta, Hang Nadim Airport in Batam, and
Kualanamu Airport in Deli Serdang.
Of the total foreign tourist visits in September, 1,282,308 entered through these primary international airports. The remaining 144,806 visits accessed Indonesia via border entry points. The concentration of international arrivals through major airports underscores the significance of air connectivity for sustaining inbound tourism.
Tourist Purpose and Spending Patterns
Approximately 79 percent of foreign visitors in the third quarter of 2026 traveled for vacation purposes. Average tourist spending during this quarter reached USD 1,374.48 per visit, rising from USD 1,285 in the previous quarter and USD 1,297.31 in the third quarter of 2025.
Accommodation expenses accounted for the largest spending share
at USD 497.12 per visitor, followed by USD 271.33 on food and beverages. Spending on goods and souvenirs averaged USD 148.93 per visit. These figures indicate growing economic contributions to Indonesia’s hotel, restaurant, and retail sectors.
Comparison to Pre-Pandemic Levels and Official Statements
Tourist arrivals from January to September 2026 approached pre-pandemic volumes but remained below the 12.10 million recorded during the same months in 2019. BPS Deputy for Distribution and Services Statistics Ateng Hartono described the 12.01 million visits in 2026 as the highest since 2020.
Ateng said, “In total, the number of foreign tourist visits was 1.43 million, a decrease of 10.79 percent month-on-month, while
year-on-year it increased by 2.31 percent.” He also noted, “The achievement of foreign tourist visits from January to September 2026 is the highest since 2020.” He added that the average spending increase is “part of the positive development of the tourism sector.”
Month-on-Month Arrival Volatility and Economic Impact
The month-on-month fluctuations in arrivals highlight the volatility in key source markets. While Chinese visitors increased significantly year-on-year, both Chinese and Malaysian arrivals declined from August to September 2026. Australian tourist numbers, however, grew during this period.
The rise in average expenditure per visit, particularly on accommodation and food services, reflects enhanced tourist engagement with local businesses. This
economic activity benefits sectors linked to hospitality and retail in Indonesia’s major tourist destinations.
