Malang, E Java (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s tourism ministry is focusing on strengthening markets in Asia and Oceania to maintain visitor arrivals amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Luh Puspa said Thursday.Speaking at Universitas Brawijaya in Malang, East Java, Ni Luh Puspa said countries in Asia and Oceania present opportunities to stabilize Indonesia’s tourism sector despite disruptions in Middle Eastern flight routes.“The Tourism Minister has directed a market shift toward Asia and Oceania, as these regions are not affected by Middle East flight disruptions,” Ni Luh Puspa said.She noted Indonesia has strong air connectivity from key inbound hubs such as Malaysia, accounting for 27 percent, and Singapore at 18 percent of arrivals.By comparison, the Middle East hub contributed just 11 percent of inbound visitors, highlighting the need to substitute those arrivals with other markets.“In 2025, visits to Indonesia were still dominated by Asian and Australian markets, including strong growth from China, India, South Korea, and Taiwan,” she added.Ni Luh Puspa also said the ministry is implementing strategies to enhance human resource capacity in digital technology to better promote Indonesian tourism and strengthen the sector’s ecosystem.The initiative aims to improve management quality and professionalism across the country’s tourism operations, from planning to marketing.She emphasized Indonesia’s internationally recognized hospitality as a unique advantage for attracting repeat visitors.“Trends may change, but service and friendliness remain key for international tourists to remember Indonesia and return,” she said.