AGP Executive Report

Bali Travel Rules: Bali’s 2026 foreign tourist levy is now clearly spelled out: pay a one-time IDR 150,000 per international visitor via the official Love Bali portal (get a QR voucher for arrival), with multiple online payment options. Cultural Tourism Boost: Batam is positioning itself as a Malay culture gateway with the Kenduri Seni Melayu festival (July 3–5), featuring performances, batik and martial arts demos, and regional artists. Heritage Preservation: Indonesia’s Culture Minister urges universities to set up museums as living learning hubs, highlighting the newly inaugurated ITB Museum in Bandung as a model for expanding beyond 516 existing museums. Nusantara Growth Watch: IKN phase II is projected to lift East Kalimantan’s local economies, building on strong early gains from 2022–2024 through local supply chains and investment. Shared Mobility Expansion: BlaBlaCar expands to 20 new countries, adding more regional reach including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Nature & Risk: A new “nature premium” argument links ecosystem protection (like mangroves and coastal habitats) to lower climate-related losses—relevant for tourism and coastal destinations.

Indo-Pacific Diplomacy: India’s PM Narendra Modi is set for a July 6–11 tour of Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, with Jakarta talks and a Yogyakarta stop at UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple, plus business outreach and diaspora events. Student Travel Watch: India says it will raise concerns about delays in Australian student visa approvals during Modi’s Australia visit. Volcano Safety for Travelers: Indonesia has escalated Mount Anak Krakatau to Level III, expanding a 5-kilometer exclusion zone and urging tourists and fishermen to stay away. Wildlife Tourism Rules: Indonesia is phasing out elephant riding packages, pushing operators toward non-contact, observational sanctuary experiences. Nutrition & Family Travel: Indonesia is aligning policies to strengthen its Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children under five. Tourism Marketing: Indonesia promoted attractions to Malaysian travelers via the Wonderful Indonesia Sales Mission 2026, highlighting priority and regenerative destinations. Food Prices Update: Indonesia’s free meal program pause during school holidays is linked to a drop in prices of some staples.

Volcano Safety: Indonesia raised Mount Anak Krakatau to Level III (Alert) after a surge in volcanic activity, with a 3–5 km exclusion zone and warnings to keep away from the crater. Eco-Events in Jakarta: Jakarta’s Eco Future Festival 2026 earned a MURI record for the largest simultaneous eco-enzyme production event, pushing waste-sorting habits ahead of the city’s 500th anniversary. Bali Visa Crackdown: Bali tightened supervision of digital nomads and influencers, warning that even unpaid barter for posts can be treated as illegal work on tourist visas. Air Connectivity: SalamAir launched direct Muscat–Medan flights, while TransNusa announced twice-daily Jakarta–Bangkok service starting Aug 6 to boost leisure travel. Travel Rules at the Border: China’s upgraded departure tax refund policy (2.0) is making refunds faster for inbound shoppers, including Indonesians. Tourism & Education: Nickel Industries and Hasanuddin University ran the Nickel Industries Scholarship 2026 written selection for local students around Morowali. Tourist Risk Watch: Indonesian nationals seeking repatriation from Cambodia surged after Phnom Penh’s crackdown on cyber scam compounds.

New Air Route: SalamAir (Oman) launched its first direct scheduled flights between Muscat and Medan on Friday, with two weekly Airbus A320neo services—aimed at boosting tourism, trade, and Umrah connections via Muscat. Tourism Numbers: Indonesia welcomed 6.07 million foreign tourists in Jan–May 2026, up 7.68% year-on-year and the highest since 2020, with Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport still the main international gateway. Regional Connectivity: West Kalimantan is pushing for direct flights from Pontianak to China (Beijing or Guangzhou) after a Pontianak–Singapore link, hoping to lift tourism and speed up exports like shrimp and crabs. Travel Policy Watch: South Korea extended visa fee waivers for group tourists from Indonesia and five other countries through Dec 31, 2026, targeting a recovery in inbound travel. Family & Safety Online: Indonesia’s communications ministry held a teacher forum in Bali to strengthen child protection in the digital space, focusing on fraud risks and guidance for students. Culture & Leisure: A week at two Aman resorts highlighted Bali’s contrasting experiences—jungle calm at Amandari and coastal serenity at Amankila—showing how the island shines when you do both.

Muslim-Friendly Tourism Push: Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism is developing 15 provinces as Muslim-friendly destinations, backed by the Indonesia Muslim Travel Index and a dedicated Indonesia.travel page with worship info and event calendars. Travel Tech & Hotels: Traveloka and Marriott signed a multi-year distribution deal, giving Southeast Asian travelers real-time pricing and wider access to Marriott brands across Indonesia and the region. New Air Connectivity: Santai Seaplane inaugurated its Banyuwangi East Java operations base, aiming to boost premium seaplane scenic flights and inter-island travel. Roads for Mobility: The Public Works Ministry targets 97% of national roads in good condition by 2027 to improve travel time and logistics access. Disaster Watch: Flash floods and an earthquake in eastern Indonesia have killed over 80 people, with search and rescue still ongoing. Safety & Disruption: A Riau Islands choir contingent reported alleged travel fraud after “fake bookings” left 63 participants stranded en route to a national festival. Bali Visitor Incident: An Australian tourist was arrested after a drunken rampage at a Bali hotel, with police sending her for observation. Travel Deals for Short Trips: Hotlink expanded its 7-day Travel SIM for Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia with “unlimited” 5G and a 40GB fair-use quota.

Muslim-Friendly Tourism Push: Indonesia is aiming for a bigger slice of the global Muslim travel market, stressing that “halal” means an end-to-end ecosystem—transport, stays, sanitation, and prayer facilities—not just food. Rail Boost for West Java: Whoosh (Jakarta–Bandung high-speed rail) helped bring nearly 70,000 foreign visitors to West Java in Jan–May 2026, with May arrivals up sharply. Tourism Demand Snapshot: Foreign arrivals hit 1.38 million in May 2026 (+5.83% y/y), while domestic trips also kept climbing, showing Indonesia’s tourism engine is still largely homegrown. Hajj Service Wrap-Up: Indonesia said its 2026 Hajj operation is complete, with service upgrades and support for elderly, high-risk, disabled, and wheelchair-using pilgrims. Energy Woes Affect Travel Mood: Rolling blackouts have reignited debate over Indonesia’s coal-dependent power system and the need to speed up the energy transition. Tech for Creators: DJI rolled out an Osmo Pocket 4P app update for Indonesia and other markets, adding new filters and preset sharing for on-the-go editing. Travel Tech & Visas: Indonesia proposed a lottery system for Australian Working Holiday Visas, while South Korea extended group visa fee waivers for travelers including Indonesians through end-2026.

Indonesia-Australia Travel Policy: Indonesia has proposed a lottery system for issuing Australian Working Holiday Visas to Indonesians, aiming to make selection fairer and more transparent amid high demand. Aviation & Connectivity: The Transportation Ministry is preparing 39 new airports to boost air connectivity across Indonesia. Tourism Business & Hospitality: Capella Hotel Group appoints Christian Westbeld as Regional General Manager, Southeast Asia, overseeing Capella Singapore, Capella Ubud and Capella Hanoi. Digital Travel Convenience: Google is testing “Gmail Live,” letting users search emails with voice and get AI summaries—useful for travelers tracking bookings and itineraries. Safety on the Ground: A Danish tourist died after snorkeling off Nusa Penida; police suspect a heart attack, with no violence found. Immigration & Group Travel: South Korea extended visa fee waivers for group tourists from six countries (including Indonesia) until end-2026. Local Deals & Stays: Hotel Indigo Bandung Dago Pakar launches a school-holiday programme, “Holiday – Time to Explore,” with family activities and local brand collaborations.

Jakarta Film Push: Jakarta just launched a Film Commission to streamline permits and promote local shooting spots, with a one-stop service and an online “Filming in Jakarta” platform offering free location scouting plus discounted stays and rentals—aimed at pulling in more domestic and international productions. Banten Connectivity Boost: The Public Works Ministry is building four suspension bridges in Banten (Lebak and Pandeglang) to cut travel times and improve access for rural communities, including pedestrian, motorcycle, and emergency ambulance routes. AirAsia Route Shake-Up: AirAsia will stop direct Singapore–Jakarta flights from July, pushing travelers to transit via Kuala Lumpur instead. Conservation Spotlight (Java): Chester Zoo is helping drive an emergency rescue plan for the near-extinct Javan green magpie after surveys found none across 12 mountains; the plan targets habitat loss, trapping, and covert online trade. Tourism & Policy Watch: Indonesia–Uzbekistan ties deepen via parliamentary cooperation, with halal certification and trade talks on the agenda. Travel Safety Note: Interpol issued a yellow alert for missing Australian traveler Jesse Bruzzese, who may have visited Indonesia.

Jakarta Film Push: The city launched a Jakarta Film Commission under its tourism firm to streamline filming permits and promote local shooting spots, plus an online “Filming in Jakarta” platform offering free scouting and discounted stays/equipment. Luxury Dining in Bali: Mandapa (Ritz-Carlton Reserve) in Ubud joins Marriott’s Luxury Dining Series, bringing “Across the Table” culinary events to Bali from Sept 9–11. Sustainable Hospitality Training: Agoda and the GSTC marked the Sustainable Tourism Academy’s first anniversary, topping 3,000 registered users and 3,500 trained hospitality pros across Asia, including Indonesia. Sleman Tourism Networking: Yogyakarta’s Sleman district held a table-top travel dialogue in Jakarta to match local sellers with buyers and boost MICE and experience tourism. Bali Traveller Safety Tips: A new travel caution roundup highlights risks like counterfeit alcohol and “Bali Belly,” urging visitors to buy only from licensed venues and take health precautions. Halal Travel Momentum: Malaysia retained the top spot in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2026, with Indonesia close behind—good news for Muslim-friendly travel planning across the region. Thailand Digital Payments: Thailand is expanding cross-border QR payments for tourists under “Pay Like a Local,” making it easier for visitors from Indonesia and others to pay without cash.

Halal Tourism Push: Indonesia showcased itself as a Muslim-friendly destination at the International Islamic Expo 2026 (June 26–28), aiming to grow a “global halal ecosystem” with better services and more inclusive experiences. Air Connectivity for Pilgrims: Indonesia’s MPR speaker Ahmad Muzani urged direct flights with Uzbekistan to boost religious tourism—specifically easier access to Imam Bukhari’s tomb before Umrah. Regional Travel Business: Liberty International Tourism Group opened a partner-owned DMC office in Bali (with a Singapore presence) to serve Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, targeting MICE, premium leisure, events and destination weddings. Muslim Travel Rankings: Malaysia stayed #1 in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2026, with Indonesia ranked joint second—highlighting Indonesia’s halal ecosystem momentum. Bali Visitor Reality Check: A UK traveler’s padel racket was confiscated at Bali Denpasar Airport because it’s treated as a “dangerous device” in cabin rules, a reminder to pack sports gear correctly. Indonesia–Uzbekistan Ties: The flight push also came alongside halal industry cooperation talks between Indonesia and Uzbekistan.

Indonesia–South Korea Tourism Talks: Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry explored deeper cooperation with South Korea, including joint promotions via KTO, travel agency links, and gastronomy as a special-interest segment. Halal-Friendly Tourism Push: Indonesia continues positioning culture and faith as tourism drivers, including a push for Muslim-friendly destinations. Digital Access for Travelers: Indonesia is expanding connectivity in remote areas through the SATRIA-1 satellite, linking tens of thousands of public service sites—good news for long-term visitor access. Bali Visitor Safety Reminder: A UK tourist in Bali had his phone snatched by a macaque at Uluwatu Temple, later recovered with tracking help. Bali Road Safety Tragedy: A Brit who died in a Bali motorcycle crash while celebrating his 26th birthday has sparked a repatriation fundraising effort. Family Travel Demand: Trip.com reports strong growth in family bookings during summer school holidays, with kids-friendly stays driving the surge. Sustainable Tourism Training: Agoda and GSTC marked the first anniversary of the Sustainable Tourism Academy, topping 3,000 registered users across Asia, including Indonesia. Indonesia Tourism Events: Lumajang’s Segoro Topeng Kaliwungu dance performance at Watu Pecak Beach used the KEN program to boost culture-led tourism. EVs in Ride-Hailing: Wuling’s BinguoEV is entering GrabRentals Indonesia, aiming to triple Grab’s EV fleet by end-2026.

Bali Safety & Wildlife: A British tourist’s phone was snatched by a long-tailed macaque at Uluwatu Temple, then recovered after the monkey vanished into the forest and even recorded selfies on the device. Bali Travel Risk: Another Brit, 26, died in a motorcycle crash in Bali while celebrating his birthday; his family is fundraising to repatriate his remains and says they’re still seeking clarity on the circumstances. Halal Tourism Push: Indonesia is promoting Muslim-friendly travel, including through the International Islamic Expo 2026 in Jakarta, aiming to grow partnerships and position the country as a top halal destination. Tourism Policy & Markets: Indonesia’s village cooperative program (KDMP) is being used to expand MSME product distribution nationwide, with low-interest loans to help rural businesses reach broader markets. APEC Tourism Tech: APEC tourism ministers met in Macao to back digital innovation and better connectivity to boost Asia-Pacific tourism growth. UAE Entry Rules: The UAE expanded visa-on-arrival access to Indonesians and other nationalities, with 14- or 60-day options and specific residency requirements. Travel Finance for Bali: Indonesia disbursed Rp333.6 billion via sharia bonds to fund Bali projects, including university facilities and road works.

Halal Tourism Push: Indonesia promoted Muslim-friendly travel at the International Islamic Expo 2026 in Jakarta (June 26–28), pitching halal tourism as a growth engine for the global halal ecosystem. Tourism Tech & Connectivity: APEC tourism ministers met in Macao to back digital innovation and smoother cross-border travel, while Indonesia’s MaiA AI tourism platform and the Jakarta–Bandung high-speed rail are highlighted as boosting visitor experiences and arrivals. State Hotels Consolidation: Danantara is merging Indonesia’s state-owned enterprise hotels under the InJourney umbrella, aiming to streamline hospitality operations. Urban Mobility Upgrade (Jakarta): Jakarta’s “Donut Bridge” TOD at Sudirman Station is set to integrate six public transport modes. Jambi UNESCO Bid: Jambi is preparing for UNESCO revalidation of the Merangin Jambi Geopark, focusing on conservation and community protection. Bali Waste Warning: A new report spotlights illegal dumping in Buduk village and the wider waste crisis as tourism pressure rises. Travel Safety & Scams: A Bali trip scam case in India shows fake Instagram travel agents can lead to fake tickets and major losses. Migrant Worker Cooperation: Indonesia and Croatia agreed to speed up an MoU for Indonesian hospitality-sector migrant workers, alongside broader tourism and business ties. Regional Digital Payments (Thailand): Thailand expands cross-border QR payments to make “Pay like a Local” easier for visitors from multiple countries, including Indonesia.

Tourism Tech Boost: Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism is leaning on AI (MaiA) plus faster rail links like the Jakarta–Bandung high-speed line to make trip planning easier and push international arrivals higher. Halal Tourism Push: The Tourism Ministry is stepping up overseas promotion of Muslim-friendly destinations via international exhibitions and sales missions, including a focus on halal-certified food and services. Conservation & Nature Tourism: Jambi is preparing for UNESCO revalidation of Merangin Geopark, while Raja Ampat’s “walking shark” faces pressure from tourism development and climate change. Holiday Travel Costs: The government’s VAT-DTP incentive for domestic economy-class flights is set to run for school-holiday travel, aiming to keep airfares more affordable. Jakarta Mobility Upgrade: Jakarta is moving ahead with rail integration plans like the “Donut Bridge” TOD at Sudirman Station and upgrades to Gambir Station to connect commuter and long-distance services. Travel Safety Alert: A Bali trip scam case in India highlights how fake Instagram travel agents can sell bogus flight tickets—double-check bookings before paying.

Digital Connectivity for Public Services: Indonesia’s SATRIA-1 satellite is now providing internet to 31,803 public facilities nationwide, with 68% being schools—an effort aimed at narrowing gaps in education, healthcare, and local government access. Hotel Sector Reshuffle: Danantara has started consolidating 45 state-owned hotels under InJourney, with plans to bring up to 120 hotels into the group to create a bigger, more competitive operator. Jakarta Eco-Tourism Push: The capital launched “Ciliwung River Adventure,” offering free educational river tours and hands-on cleanups to tackle plastic waste along the Ciliwung. Rail Upgrade for Travelers: Gambir Station is set to become an integrated rail hub, adding KRL commuter services to improve transfers with long-distance trains. Muslim-Friendly Tourism Marketing: Indonesia is ramping up overseas promotion of halal tourism via international exhibitions and sales missions, including a push at the International Islamic Expo. Halal Product Availability: The tourism ministry is working with stakeholders to expand halal-certified food and products across Muslim-friendly destinations, especially for nature and marine experiences. UAE Visa-on-Arrival Expansion: The UAE expanded visa-on-arrival to citizens of Indonesia and five other countries (with qualifying residence permits), offering 14- or 60-day stays. Bali Travel Ideas: Guides highlight Amed as a quieter, less crowded Bali base for snorkeling and diving, plus four underrated dive sites on Bali’s east coast. Travel Safety Reminder: A summer health advisory urges travelers to check infectious disease risks and vaccinations before trips. Scam Hub Warning: Despite crackdowns, thousands remain trapped in Myanmar scam compounds, including at least 18 Filipinos.

Halal Tourism Push: Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry is boosting Muslim-friendly travel by expanding halal product availability across destinations, including halal certification support and monitoring in 13 “Muslim-friendly” areas like West Sumatra, Jakarta, Bandung and Banten. Airfare Cap Update: Indonesia will revise its domestic airfare cap using a new formula, but only once aviation fuel prices and global conditions stabilize. Jakarta 499th Anniversary Perks: Jakarta will offer free admission to 11 museums and free public transport/selected tourist spots on June 27–28 to encourage visitors to use public transit. 3T Nutrition Scheme: The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program will get a special delivery scheme for remote 3T regions, since current kitchen and service-unit models don’t fit low-density areas. UAE Visa-on-Arrival Expansion: The UAE expanded visa-on-arrival to Indonesians (plus five other countries), easing spontaneous travel for business and tourism. Blue Economy Research: Nusa Cendana University and ATSEA are studying dugongs and seagrass in Rote Ndao, supporting sustainable marine management. Airport Modernization: GMR Airports took over Nagpur’s airport operations, planning phased upgrades to grow capacity and add cargo facilities.