Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto is targeting 16-17.6 million foreign tourist visits by 2026 through six tourism-sector Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
"The tourism sector is targeting 16–17.6 million foreign visitors in 2026 and foreign exchange earnings of around US$24 billion. This figure is comparable to the value of palm oil exports," he said in a press conference on Wednesday.
The six SEZs in question include the Mandalika SEZ, the Kura-Kura Bali SEZ, the Tanjung Kelayang SEZ, the Tanjung Lesung SEZ, the Lido SEZ, and the Likupang SEZ.
The minister also outlined the economic potential of several tourism SEZs by 2027.
According to him, the Kura-Kura Bali SEZ is targeted to attract 600,000 tourists with an economic value of Rp600 billion (US$33 million), especially after the outlets in the area begin operating.
The area is also projected to generate foreign exchange of US$3.66 billion.
Meanwhile, the Mandalika SEZ is projected to attract 1.6 million tourists with an economic value of Rp8.6 trillion (US$477 million).
The Tanjung Lesung SEZ follows with a target of 1.5 million tourist visits, generating an estimated economic value of Rp3 trillion (US$166.4 million).
For the Lido SEZ, the government is targeting 220,000 tourist visits with an economic value of Rp352 billion (US$19.5 million). The area is also projected to generate foreign exchange of US$1.8 billion.
Hartarto stated that achieving tourism targets requires promotional support and connectivity.
He therefore hopes the Ministry of Tourism will coordinate SEZ promotions nationally and internationally, improve tourism workforce skills, and develop a tourism events calendar.
The government is also encouraging increased connectivity through collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation, particularly in the development of airports and airline services.
Currently, Indonesia has 25 Special Economic Zones spread across various regions.
This figure consists of 13 industrial SEZs, six tourism SEZs, two health SEZs, one digital SEZ, two technology and education SEZs, and one other services SEZ.
Since their establishment, SEZs have attracted a cumulative investment of Rp382.1 trillion (US$21.2 billion).
From January to September 2026, investment realization reached Rp46 trillion (US$2.5 billion), creating 53,000 additional jobs.
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Translator: Bayu Saputra, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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