Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry has prepared a series of strategies to mitigate the impact of global geopolitical tensions while maintaining the positive growth trend of the country’s tourism sector.Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said the measures aim to strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesia’s tourism industry as global conditions demand more responsive and adaptive policies.“These measures are important to maintain the competitiveness of Indonesia’s tourism sector amid a global situation that requires responsive and adaptive strategies,” Widiyanti said in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Monday.Speaking at the national webinar “Tourism Under Fire,” she said geopolitical developments have begun affecting airline operations, including adjustments to long-haul flight routes and higher travel costs driven by rising fuel prices.Tensions in the Middle East could also affect international travel flows to Indonesia, she said.The government estimates the direct impact on foreign tourist arrivals could reach around 4,700 to 5,500 visitors per day.If the situation continues, potential foreign exchange losses could range between Rp157.9 billion and Rp184.8 billion per day.To address these risks, the government has prepared several mitigation measures, including diversifying tourism source markets.Promotional campaigns will be strengthened in short- and medium-haul markets with relatively stable flight connectivity, including Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia and India.The ministry will also intensify campaigns to promote Indonesia as a safe, attractive and stable destination for international travelers.In addition, authorities will optimize direct flights, including the Amsterdam–Jakarta and Amsterdam–Denpasar routes operated by Garuda Indonesia.The move is expected to help attract European tourists, particularly ahead of the spring and summer holiday seasons.Digital promotion based on data analytics will also be expanded to reach potential travelers more effectively and increase the impact of tourism campaigns.Tourism-driven economic activityWidiyanti said the government will also encourage Indonesians to travel domestically to sustain tourism-driven economic activity.The ministry plans to promote tourism events in border regions to stimulate local economies and maintain visitor flows in key destinations.Tourists from nearby countries, such as Singapore visiting the Riau Islands, often make repeat trips, she noted.“Therefore, this opportunity must be utilized optimally by offering various experiences such as golf tourism, shopping tourism, wellness tourism and other travel packages,” she said.The government is also promoting cross-ministerial cooperation to strengthen tourism competitiveness.Relevant ministries include the transportation, immigration and finance ministries.Among the policy options being explored are increasing airline seat capacity, improving airfare affordability and introducing visa-free entry for selected markets.According to Widiyanti, Indonesia’s tourism sector is currently experiencing strong momentum.In 2025, the country recorded 15.39 million international tourist arrivals and generated US$18.27 billion in foreign exchange earnings.Although visitors from Europe, the Middle East and the Americas accounted for only 21.7 percent of total arrivals, they contributed 34.7 percent of foreign exchange revenue due to their higher spending levels.Amid global uncertainties, positive developments have also emerged from East Asia.Several airlines, including China Airlines, Spring Airlines and China Southern Airlines, are reportedly planning to increase flight frequencies and open new routes to Jakarta and Bali starting in May 2026.Separately, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said Indonesia’s tourism sector performed strongly in 2025.The sector contributed Rp945.7 trillion, or 3.97 percent, to the country’s gross domestic product.The performance was supported by 15.39 million international arrivals, which rose 10.7 percent year on year.Tourism activities also generated employment for around 25.91 million people across the country.However, Hartarto noted that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to test the resilience of Indonesia’s tourism sector by affecting global connectivity.To address these challenges, the government is strengthening the domestic tourism market through micro-tourism initiatives.Authorities are also promoting destinations for digital nomads and positioning Indonesia as a high-end travel destination offering relatively affordable experiences.