Indonesia received 12.01 million foreign tourist arrivals from January through September 2026, marking the highest cumulative figure since 2020, according to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS). This represents a 5.01 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025.
In September 2026 alone, Indonesia registered 1,427,114 foreign tourist visits, representing a 10.79 percent decline from August but a 2.31 percent increase compared to September 2025. The number of Chinese tourists showed a notable 35.59 percent year-on-year increase, despite a 5.53 percent monthly decrease from August 2026.
Tourist Arrivals by Country of Origin
Malaysian tourists made up the largest share of arrivals in September 2026 with approximately
239,000 visits, accounting for 16.76 percent of total foreign visits. Australia followed with 177,350 arrivals (12.43 percent share). Chinese tourists contributed 153,570 visits, representing 10.76 percent of arrivals, and Singaporean visitors held a 9.42 percent share.
Month-on-month, Malaysian arrivals declined by 19.24 percent in September 2026, whereas Australian tourist arrivals increased by 3.15 percent, highlighting fluctuating regional travel patterns.
Primary Entry Points and Visitor Composition
Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport remained the main entry gateway for international tourists in September 2026, with Australian passport holders forming the largest group entering through this airport. Other significant entry points included Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Hang
Nadim Airport in Batam, and Kualanamu Airport in Deli Serdang.
Of the total foreign tourist visits recorded in September 2026, 1,282,308 entered via these main international airports, while the remaining 144,806 arrivals came through border entry points.
Tourism Spending Patterns and Purpose of Visit
Approximately 79 percent of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia in the third quarter of 2026 traveled for vacation purposes. Statistics Indonesia reported that average spending per foreign tourist visit in Q3 2026 reached $1,374.48, exceeding the $1,285 average recorded in Q2 2026 and the $1,297.31 average from Q3 2025.
Spending breakdown per visit showed accommodation costs averaged $497.12, followed by food and beverages at
$271.33, and purchases of goods and souvenirs totaling $148.93.
Official Statements and Tourism Recovery Context
Ateng Hartono, Deputy for Distribution and Services Statistics at BPS, 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 added, “The achievement of foreign tourist visits from January to September 2026 is the highest since 2020,” noting that 2019 figures for the same period stood at 12.10 million. He also said, “This figure has increased compared to the average spending in the previous quarter.”
The recovery since the COVID-19 pandemic has included varying monthly
arrival trends across Malaysia, China, and Australia, reflecting shifts in travel behavior and international flight connectivity. Bali continues to serve as the most significant tourism gateway, drawing large volumes of foreign visitors.
Indonesia’s tourism sector registered growth in both visitor numbers and spending through the first three quarters of 2026, signaling a steady recovery despite temporary declines in monthly arrivals.
