Indonesia, a country located in Southeast Asia, is known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes. With over 17,000 islands, it’s no wonder that tourism is a significant contributor to Indonesia’s economy.
But just how big is tourism in Indonesia? Let’s take a closer look.
Overview of Tourism in Indonesia
According to the Central Statistics Agency of Indonesia (BPS), the number of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia in 2019 was around 16.1 million. This was an increase from the previous year, where the number of foreign tourist arrivals was around 15.8 million. The top countries that contributed to this increase were China, Malaysia, and Singapore.
The Impact of Tourism on Indonesian Economy
Tourism plays a vital role in the Indonesian economy, contributing to about 5% of its GDP. In addition to this, tourism also provides employment opportunities for many Indonesians. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf), tourism-related jobs accounted for approximately 13 million jobs in 2019.
Popular Tourist Destinations in Indonesia
Indonesia has many famous tourist destinations that attract visitors from all over the world. Bali is one such destination that is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, is another popular destination known for its shopping centers and cultural landmarks.
Besides Bali and Jakarta, other popular tourist destinations include Yogyakarta with its ancient temples such as Borobudur and Prambanan; Lombok with its beautiful beaches; Komodo Island with its famous Komodo dragons; and Raja Ampat with its stunning marine life.
The Future of Tourism in Indonesia
The Indonesian government is actively promoting tourism as a key driver of economic growth. They have set an ambitious Target of attracting 20 million foreign tourists by 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this Target was not met.
However, as the world slowly recovers from the pandemic, Indonesia is looking to implement measures to attract more tourists in the coming years. These measures include promoting sustainable tourism and investing in infrastructure development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tourism is a significant contributor to the Indonesian economy. With its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Indonesia has much to offer visitors from all over the world. As the country continues to promote tourism and invest in its development, we can expect to see an increase in tourist arrivals in the coming years.