Eid Season: 140 Million Domestic Tourists Set to Travel, Says Minister

Indonesia Braces for 140 Million Domestic Tourists During 2025 Eid al-Fitr

Jakarta (March 14, 2025) – Indonesia is preparing for a notable surge in domestic tourism during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday. Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana projects that the number of domestic tourists will reach approximately 140 million. This projection underscores the critical role of domestic tourism in supporting the Indonesian economy, especially following recent global events that have impacted international travel.

Java Expected to Be the Epicenter of Travel

The distribution of these tourists is expected to be heavily skewed towards Java. According to Minister Wardhana,”Nationally,70 percent of tourists are predicted to vacation in Java island,while the other 30 percent will visit other regions,like Bali.” This highlights Java’s continued dominance as a primary tourist destination, driven by its cultural attractions, historical sites, and accessibility.

The concentration of tourists in Java presents both opportunities and challenges.While local businesses in Java stand to benefit from increased revenue, regional governments need to effectively manage the influx to prevent overcrowding and ensure a positive experience for all visitors. Destinations outside of Java, such as Bali, are actively working to attract a larger share of tourists through targeted marketing campaigns and infrastructure improvements.

Popular Destinations and Anticipated Crowds

Minister wardhana also identified specific destinations expected to draw large crowds. “Usually, the (tourist) destinations visited are those in destination areas of homecoming exodus travelers,” she noted. Popular destinations in Jakarta include:

• Ragunan Zoo
• Ancol
• Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII)
• Kota Tua
• Seribu Islands

Ragunan Zoo, in particular, is projected to receive up to 125,000 visitors daily. Such high numbers necessitate careful planning and resource allocation to maintain safety and visitor satisfaction. Authorities are implementing crowd control measures, increasing staff, and providing additional facilities to accommodate the anticipated influx.

Goverment Initiatives to Support Travel

Recognizing the importance of facilitating travel, the Indonesian government is implementing several supportive measures. One key initiative is covering part of the Value Added Tax (VAT) for domestic economy-class airfare during the 2025 Eid al-Fitr homecoming exodus period.

This policy, applicable to tickets purchased between March 1 and april 7 for flights scheduled between March 24 and April 7, reduces the tax burden on travelers. Specifically, travelers are only required to pay 5 percent tax, with the government covering the remaining 6 percent. This VAT reduction is expected to incentivize air travel and make it more affordable for families traveling for the holiday.

Ensuring Safe and Pleasant Travel

Minister Wardhana emphasized the importance of safety and comfort during the holiday period.She appealed to all parties “to diligently monitor weather forecasts and other information provided by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG)” to mitigate potential risks associated with uncertain weather conditions.

In addition, regional governments, tourism business associations, and tourism business players are urged to adhere to the Tourism Minister’s circular on safe, comfortable, and enjoyable tourism activities during the Eid al-Fitr holiday period.This coordinated effort aims to create a positive and secure surroundings for both tourists and local communities.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for a Memorable Eid Holiday

With projections indicating a substantial increase in domestic tourism,the 2025 Eid al-Fitr holiday presents a significant prospect for Indonesia’s tourism sector. By implementing proactive measures to manage crowds,ensure safety,and facilitate affordable travel,the government and tourism industry stakeholders are working to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.Plan your Eid al-Fitr holiday now, taking advantage of government incentives and exploring the diverse attractions Indonesia has to offer. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and travel advisories to ensure a safe and pleasant journey.

What challenges could arise from the expected concentration of 70% of Eid al-Fitr tourists in Java?

Indonesia’s eid al-Fitr Tourism Boom: Interview with Travel Expert Ari Sudarsono

Archyde News recently spoke with Ari Sudarsono,a leading travel analyst at Wanderlust Economics,to discuss the anticipated surge in domestic tourism in Indonesia during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday in 2025. Here’s what he had to say:

140 Million Tourists: Understanding the Eid al-Fitr Travel Surge

Archyde: Ari, thanks for joining us. Minister Wardhana projects a massive 140 million domestic tourists during Eid al-Fitr.What’s driving this incredible figure, and is it sustainable?

Ari Sudarsono: It’s great to be here. Several factors contribute to this surge. Eid al-Fitr is a deeply significant holiday in Indonesia, involving mass homecoming travels, or 'mudik.' additionally, the easing of travel restrictions post-pandemic and government initiatives like VAT reductions on airfare are incentivizing travel. As for sustainability, it depends on how well infrastructure and resources are managed to accommodate such volumes.

java’s Dominance and Regional Tourism Balance

Archyde: Java is expected to host 70% of these tourists. What impact does this concentration have, and what can be done to encourage travel to other regions like Bali?

Ari Sudarsono: The concentration in Java presents both opportunities and challenges. Local businesses benefit, but overcrowding is a concern. To balance this,destinations like Bali need to aggressively market their unique offerings,improve accessibility,and potentially diversify beyond traditional tourism. Government investment in infrastructure in other regions is also crucial.

Jakarta’s Hotspots: Preparing for the Influx

Archyde: Ragunan Zoo anticipates 125,000 visitors daily! How can these popular destinations ensure a positive experience with such high traffic?

Ari Sudarsono: Effective crowd management is key. this includes implementing timed entry systems, increasing staffing, optimizing visitor flow, and providing ample facilities like restrooms and food vendors. Communication is also critical – keeping visitors informed about potential wait times and choice attractions.

Government Support: VAT Reduction and Beyond

Archyde: The government’s VAT reduction on airfare is a significant step. What other support measures could further enhance the travel experience during Eid al-Fitr?

Ari sudarsono: Beyond VAT reductions, investing in public transportation improvements, especially inter-city connectivity, would be beneficial. Streamlining travel processes, ensuring transparent pricing, and providing real-time travel data through mobile apps would also contribute significantly. Promoting sustainable tourism practices is an investment in the long-term viability of the sector.

Ensuring Safe and Enjoyable Travel

Archyde: minister Wardhana stressed the importance of safety. What practical advice would you give to travelers and local communities to ensure a smooth Eid al-fitr holiday?

Ari Sudarsono: Travelers should check weather forecasts and travel advisories regularly and be prepared for potential delays. Local communities can play a vital role by providing clear signage, assisting tourists with directions, and maintaining cleanliness in public areas. Cooperation and understanding between tourists and locals are crucial for a positive experience for everyone.

A memorable Eid Holiday: Your Thoughts?

Archyde: any last thoughts for our readers planning their Eid adventure? And a question for our readers: Which hidden gems in Indonesia would *you* recommend exploring this Eid, and what tips do you have for fellow travelers?

Ari Sudarsono: Plan ahead, be patient, embrace the local culture, and most importantly, stay safe and have fun! Indonesia offers a wealth of experiences beyond the popular destinations, so be open to exploring something new.