Holiday Season Momentum: Recharging the Nation Through Tourism
By Teguh Anantawikrama,
Chairman, Indonesian Tourism Investors Club
INVESTORTRUST.ID - As the holiday season approaches, Indonesia is presented with a unique opportunity: to turn one of the year’s most anticipated travel periods into a national economic accelerator. With many sectors still feeling the chill of global trade tensions and tariff wars, tourism—resilient, inclusive, and rich in untapped potential—stands ready to lead the rebound.
Unlike manufacturing or agriculture, tourism operates largely outside the realm of tariff policies. It is driven by experiences, culture, natural beauty, and human connection—factors that remain robust even amid geopolitical turbulence. While exports face bottlenecks, our beaches, volcanoes, jungles, and cultural festivals remain open, breathtaking, and deeply appealing.
Rising Intra-Land and Inter-Island Movement
Indonesia’s growing middle class has historically been a significant contributor to national consumption. Although economic uncertainty has led many to temporarily hold back spending, there is a noticeable resurgence in demand for travel—especially for intra-land and inter-island trips that offer meaningful and budget-friendly escapes.
Transportation Ministry data shows increasing intra-island travel, particularly across Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi. Ferry crossings are seeing peak-season demand, while regional flights to destinations like Lombok, Labuan Bajo, and Manado are rebounding as more Indonesians look inward to rediscover their homeland.
Stories, Heritage, and Culinary Wealth
Indonesia’s power as a tourism destination lies not just in scenery but in storytelling. Every region is a living narrative—whether it’s the sacred heritage of Bali, the mysticism of Toraja, the royal lineage of Yogyakarta, or the resilience of communities in Nusa Tenggara. These stories, when highlighted and celebrated, captivate both domestic and international visitors.
Complementing this is Indonesia’s culinary diversity—undoubtedly among the richest in the world. From spicy rendang and aromatic soto to sweet klepon and the vibrant array of sambals, Indonesia’s food is more than sustenance—it’s identity. And it is unmatched by any other country in terms of regional variation and flavor depth.
Marine Tourism: Indonesia’s Hidden Giant
Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelagic country, yet our marine tourism remains a sleeping giant. The waters of Raja Ampat, Derawan, Bunaken, and Alor are home to the richest marine biodiversity on Earth. These areas could become flagship destinations for global marine tourism—if supported with infrastructure, conservation, and investment.
The potential for sustainable development through marine tourism is immense. With improved ports, eco-resorts, community-based marine tours, and yacht-friendly marinas, Indonesia can lead in the blue economy while preserving its natural capital.
Looking Forward
The Indonesian Tourism Investors Club believes that tourism can become a strategic pillar for post-crisis growth—especially when momentum is captured during high-travel seasons. The upcoming holidays must be seen not just as a leisure cycle but as an economic springboard.
By empowering tourism businesses, promoting local destinations, and ensuring seamless connectivity, we can spark a wide-reaching recovery—bringing income to millions and rekindling national optimism. Let us travel not only to relax, but to recharge the nation. ***
