The government of Indonesia targets more international tourists by the year 2025, with strategic efforts focusing on innovation, sustainability, and the Riau Islands as a key gateway.
The Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia remains optimistic about achieving its target of 14-16 million international tourist arrivals by 2025. This goal is supported by various efforts to develop tourist destinations and cross-sector collaborations initiated early in January.
“I believe that from the beginning of this year until the end of 2025, we can achieve the target for international tourist arrivals,” stated Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Puspa, in a press release on Thursday, the 2nd of January.
Puspa also emphasised the importance of innovation in creating sustainable new destinations.
“Enhanced attractions are expected to increase the length of stay for tourists and their spending,” added Puspa.
Data previously collected last year by Statistics Indonesia (Badan Pusat Statistik or BPS) showed a significant increase in international tourist arrivals to Indonesia from January to November 2024, with 12.66 million visits recorded—a rise of 20.17% compared to the same period in the year 2023. With cross-sector collaboration, strategic policies, and improved destination appeal, the government expects Indonesia’s tourism sector to continue its positive growth in 2025.
To support this goal, the Riau Islands are aimed to be one of the main entry points for international tourists, thanks to its strategic location bordering Singapore and Malaysia. The region boasts diverse attractions based on nature, culture, artificial experiences, and sports, which serve as a magnet for foreign visitors.
The Governor of the Riau Islands, Ansar Ahmad, praised the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts in supporting tourism development in the region, highlighting visa-free and visa-on-arrival facilities as key factors driving the increase in tourist numbers to the Riau Islands. The provincial government has also proposed expanding visa-free policies to include holders of certain permits from Singapore, such as Employment Passes, S Passes, and Long Term Visit Passes.
“Hopefully, this will help increase international tourist arrivals in the Riau Islands,” expressed Ahmad optimistically.