Haze Becomes a Key Concern, Riau Islands Prepares Alternative Indoor Tourism Activities

The Riau Islands Provincial Tourism Office (Dispar Kepri) has confirmed that the region remains a preferred travel destination for both Domestic Tourists and international visitors, despite several areas experiencing haze issues over the past week.

The local government also stated that the electricity supply disruption which affected Batam to Bintan Island on 12–14 October 2026 has been fully restored. This situation is being closely monitored, as reliable infrastructure and environmental comfort are critical factors supporting tourism activities.

Head of the Riau Islands Tourism Office, Hasan, emphasized that the ongoing circumstances must not derail joint efforts to maintain tourist confidence.

"Recent developments must not weaken our collective commitment to uphold trust for both domestic and international visitors," stated Hasan in Tanjungpinang on Saturday, 17 October 2026.

Haze Becomes A Key Concern For Tourists

According to Hasan, the haze detected across parts of the Riau Islands originates from outside the province. Relevant authorities are continuously carrying out mitigation efforts to reduce impacts on local communities and daily activities.

Rainfall recorded in several areas is expected to help improve conditions. Even so, tourists are advised to monitor Air Quality updates before planning activities during their stay in the Riau Islands.

Hasan reminded that updates regarding the current situation must be communicated proportionally. With clear information, prospective visitors can arrange their travel itineraries while preparing appropriate precautionary measures based on actual on-ground conditions.

For tourists planning a visit, checking weather and environmental status updates prior to departure is a critical step. Visitors are also recommended to wear masks when necessary, especially while air quality has not fully recovered.

Indoor Tourism Activities As Alternative Options

Amidst environmental conditions that require extra caution, the Riau Islands offer a range of activity options that do not rely on outdoor settings.

Hasan noted that meeting and Business-based tourism also known as Meeting, Incentive, Convention, and Exhibition (MICE), Wellness Tourism, shopping centres, and local culinary experiences are alternative options that visitors may consider.

These options allow tourists to adjust their travel schedules according to the latest situation. That said, air quality and personal health must still be taken into consideration before undertaking any activity, including planned outdoor excursions.

The Riau Islands itself hosts diverse tourist destinations spread across Batam, Bintan, Karimun, Tanjungpinang, Lingga, Natuna, and the Anambas Islands. Each region offers unique Travel Experiences that can be tailored to visitor needs.

Riau Islands Strengthens Regional Tourism Appeal

The Riau Islands holds a strategic position on the regional tourism map due to its proximity to multiple Southeast Asian countries, particularly Singapore and Malaysia. Additionally, visitors from India, China, South Korea, and Japan are also key target markets for the province's tourism development.

Geographical accessibility, travel connectivity, as well as a wide selection of accommodation and culinary options are core assets that must be continuously strengthened to boost Tourist Arrivals.

For this reason, the local government is calling on tourism industry operators across Batam, Bintan, Karimun, Tanjungpinang and all other Riau Islands regions to maintain service standards. This effort is deemed essential to ensure tourists continue to receive safe and comfortable travel experiences.

"Hospitality, safety, comfort, and service quality must remain our top priorities, so that the Riau Islands will always be a destination of choice for both Indonesian Domestic Tourists and international visitors," he added.

For prospective travellers, current on-ground conditions should be factored in when deciding travel destinations and holiday activities. Monitoring official updates, adjusting itineraries to match environmental circumstances, and prioritising personal health will help ensure a more comfortable Travel Experience.