Indonesia records tourism surge as foreign arrivals exceed 1 million in March
Domestic travel boom during holiday season drives sharp rise in mobility and transport demand
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Photo source: galitskaya / iStock
Indonesia’s tourism sector posted strong growth in March 2026, with international arrivals surpassing one million and domestic travel reaching record levels, highlighting a sustained recovery and rising mobility across the country, reports ANTARA.
According to official statistics, the country welcomed 1.09 million foreign visitors during the month, marking a 10.5 per cent increase compared with March 2025. The result reinforces Indonesia’s position as one of the fastest-recovering tourism markets in the region, experts claimed.
Cumulative figures for the first quarter show continued momentum, with total international arrivals reaching 3.44 million – an increase of 8.62 per cent year-on-year and the highest level recorded for this period since 2020.
Regional travel remained a key driver of inbound tourism, with visitors from neighbouring countries accounting for the largest share of arrivals. Alongside international growth, domestic tourism expanded significantly. Indonesians made more than 319 million trips in March alone, reflecting a 13.14 per cent rise driven largely by increased mobility.
The surge in travel translated into higher demand across all modes of transport. Rail services recorded the largest passenger volumes, while ferry transport experienced the fastest growth, indicating increased inter-island connectivity. Air and sea travel also saw notable increases, both domestically and internationally.
According to the source, the latest figures underline the growing contribution of tourism to Indonesia’s economic activity, supported by rising consumer demand, improved connectivity and seasonal travel patterns.
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