What is Indonesia's foreign exchange revenue from the tourism sector?

Indonesia's trade and current account deficits have prompted the government to implement policies aimed at increasing foreign exchange earnings from tourism. Domestic tourist destinations already popular with foreign tourists, such as Bali, Bunaken, and Raja Ampat, represent a key strength of the national tourism sector. Improving the quality and accessibility of these destinations, strengthening data and information, and enhancing integrated attractions can serve as alternatives to boost national tourism revenue.

According to data from the Ministry of Tourism, foreign exchange earnings from the tourism sector in 2015 reached US$12.23 billion, or approximately Rp 169 trillion. This placed tourism as the fourth largest contributor to foreign exchange earnings in 2015, behind oil and gas, coal, and palm oil. By 2019, the target for tourism revenue was set at US$20 billion, aiming to surpass the export earnings from both palm oil and oil and gas. To achieve this target, the government aimed for 20 million foreign tourist visits in 2019.

For context, foreign tourist arrivals in 2017 reached 14.1 million. From January to July 2018, foreign tourist arrivals reached 9.06 million, a 12.92% increase compared to the same period the previous year. Natural disasters such as the eruption of Mount Agung in Bali and the earthquake in Lombok could negatively impact the target for foreign tourist visits to Indonesia.