Indonesia recorded 12.01 million foreign tourist arrivals from January to September 2026, the highest total since 2020, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS).
September 2026 Tourist Arrivals Show Monthly Dip, Yearly Growth
In September 2026, Indonesia received 1,427,114 foreign tourist visits, down 10.79 percent from August 2026 but up 2.31 percent compared to September 2025. BPS Deputy for Distribution and Services Statistics Ateng Hartono described these figures as consistent growth relative to last year.
Malaysia, Australia, China, Singapore Lead Tourist Arrivals
In September 2026, Malaysian tourists represented 16.76 percent of visits, roughly 239,000 arrivals, making Malaysia the largest foreign tourist contributor. Australia followed with 12.43 percent (177,350 visits), China with 10.76 percent (153,570 visits), and Singapore with
about 9.42 percent.
Varying Monthly Trends Highlight Market Volatility
Chinese tourist arrivals expanded 35.59 percent year-on-year in September, the largest growth among major source countries. However, Chinese visits fell 5.53 percent compared to August 2026. Malaysian tourist arrivals contracted 19.24 percent month-on-month, while Australian arrivals increased 3.15 percent, indicating differing monthly patterns across key markets.
Bali Leading International Gateway with Major Airport Usage
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali was the principal entry point for foreign tourists in September 2026. Australian passport holders accounted for the majority of arrivals through this airport. Other significant entry points included Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Tangerang), Hang Nadim Airport (Batam), and Kualanamu Airport (Deli Serdang). Of total
visits in September, 1,282,308 entered via primary airports, while 144,806 arrived through border points.
Tourist Spending Increases with Vacation Purpose Dominant
Average spending per foreign tourist visit in the third quarter of 2026 reached $1,374.48, up from $1,285 in the previous quarter and $1,297.31 in Q3 2025, using an exchange rate of 18,161 Indonesian Rupiah per US dollar. Accommodation costs averaged $497.12, food and beverages $271.33, and goods and souvenirs $148.93 per visit. Approximately 79 percent of tourists traveled for vacation purposes during this period.
Official Commentary on Recovery and Spending
Ateng Hartono confirmed the recovery trajectory, stating, “The achievement of foreign tourist visits from January to September 2026 is the highest since
2020.” He added, “This figure has increased compared to the average spending in the previous quarter.” He also noted the total number of foreign visits in September 2026 was 1.43 million, reflecting a 10.79 percent monthly decrease and a 2.31 percent year-on-year increase.
Recovery Progress Compared to Pre-Pandemic Levels
Indonesia’s foreign tourist arrivals in the first nine months of 2026 are approaching pre-pandemic levels; January–September 2019 arrivals counted 12.10 million. The COVID-19 pandemic beginning in 2020 had caused major international travel disruptions. The year-on-year increase of 5.01 percent from January to September 2026 shows ongoing recovery.
Tourism Trends Require Long-Term Perspective Amid Monthly Volatility
While year-on-year growth persists, monthly fluctuations highlight the variability of
tourist arrivals from different countries. The 10.79 percent drop in overall foreign visits in September 2026 and variable monthly figures from Malaysia, China, and Australia indicate that tourism development should be assessed over extended timeframes rather than single months.
