Chinese tourist arrivals to Indonesia increased by 15.6 percent, with tourism promotion efforts no longer focused solely on Bali.

Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar) is capitalising on the opportunity presented by China's foreign national visa-free policy by intensifying promotion for Indonesian Tourist Destinations in the Chinese market. This initiative is expected to boost Chinese tourist interest in visiting Indonesia, while also expanding travel options beyond Bali.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa confirmed the Indonesian government is partnering with tourism industry stakeholders to expand promotional reach. This collaboration involves digital travel platforms, airlines, and official tourism partners from both countries.

"The Ministry of Tourism will continue to strengthen promotional efforts in the Chinese market," Ni Luh stated to Xinhua on Thursday, 22 September 2026.

Digital travel platforms enrolled as promotional partners include Ctrip, Qunar and Tuniu. The Ministry has also established cooperation with China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines to improve flight connectivity and simplify travel planning for tourists visiting Indonesia.

This collaboration carries critical importance, as travel decisions are not only driven by destination appeal, but also by ease of accessing information, booking arrangements, and securing flight access.

Through these partnerships with digital platforms and the aviation sector, Indonesia's tourism campaigns are expected to reach a far wider pool of prospective Chinese visitors.

Tourism Opportunities From China's Visa-Free Policy

China's visa exemption policy for foreign nationals, implemented since August 2026, has opened new horizons for international travel. Additionally, the regional group visa waiver scheme for tourist groups from ASEAN member states including Indonesia is projected to strengthen people-to-people relations between the two nations.

For the global tourism industry, simplified border procedures encourage greater numbers of travellers to explore destinations outside their home country. However this opportunity requires supporting infrastructure: reliable transport access, clear travel information, and holiday products tailored to specific market preferences.

Indonesia has also improved transaction convenience for tourists through the cross-border Indonesia-China Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) system, launched 30 April 2026. This unified payment system is designed to enable seamless, practical transactions for visitors throughout their trip.

Simplified payment facilities form a core component of positive Travel Experience, particularly for tourists making retail purchases, enjoying local cuisine, or using on-site services at their destination.

Backed by targeted promotion, improved flight connectivity and integrated payment systems, Indonesia is working to deliver an increasingly seamless Travel Experience for Chinese visitors.

Direct China-Indonesia Flight Capacity Reaches 1.9 Million Seats

Air connectivity is a foundational factor for increasing tourist arrivals. According to Amadeus data cited by the Ministry of Tourism, total available capacity for direct flights from cities across China to Indonesia reached approximately 1.9 million seats as of October 2026.

This available capacity creates significant headroom for growth in bilateral leisure travel. Rising tourist mobility also creates upward pressure to add additional direct flight routes and increase operating frequencies.

Ni Luh noted that this two-way travel relationship will deliver widespread benefits for Indonesia's tourism sector. Expanded flight access will not only simplify trip planning for visitors, but also create opportunities for lesser-known regional destinations to attract the Chinese market.

This market plays a major role in supporting overall International Tourist arrivals to Indonesia. For this reason, the Ministry is leveraging existing air connectivity and industry partnerships to extend the reach of promotional campaigns.

"China is one of our highest priority source markets. In August 2026, Chinese visitors ranked as the third largest contributor of international arrivals, recording approximately 162,600 visits - representing 15.6 percent growth compared to August 2025," Ni Luh explained.

Indonesian Tourism Promotion Extends Beyond Bali

Until now, Bali remains by far the most widely recognised Indonesian destination among Chinese travellers. However the Ministry of Tourism aims to expand holiday options by promoting other regions offering marine, nature, cultural and wellness Tourism Potential.

Marine tourism caters to visitors seeking beach experiences, underwater exploration and coastal activities. Meanwhile natural destinations offer immersive experiences exploring mountain landscapes, ancient rainforests and protected conservation areas.

Indonesia also hosts an immense variety of cultural attractions, spanning living local traditions, regional performing arts and authentic culinary heritage. Separately, Wellness Tourism presents opportunities to showcase traditional relaxation therapies, holistic treatments and health-focused holiday activities.

Destination diversification ensures the economic benefits of tourism are distributed across more regions of Indonesia. This strategy also provides fresh, alternative experiences for travellers seeking something new after visiting established popular destinations.