Garuda Indonesia Launches Free Domestic Stopover Program for International Travelers
Garuda Indonesia, in partnership with Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism and Mastercard, has launched a Stopover Program allowing eligible international passengers to add domestic flights at no extra cost. The initiative aims to spread foreign tourist visits beyond Bali and Jakarta to priority destinations such as Lake Toba, Borobudur, Mandalika, and Labuan Bajo.
On October 6, 2026, Garuda Indonesia announced the launch of the "Garuda Indonesia Stopover Program," developed in partnership with Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism and Mastercard. Under the scheme, eligible international passengers on certain long-haul and regional routes can add a domestic flight segment to participating destinations at no additional cost when booking their ticket.
According to the airline, foreign tourist arrivals have long been concentrated in major gateway cities—Bali received approximately 6.9 million visits and Jakarta about 2.8 million in 2025, per national statistics (BPS). The new program aims to redirect some of this traffic toward nationally designated Priority Tourism Destinations (DPP), including Lake Toba, Borobudur, Mandalika, and Labuan Bajo.
Garuda Indonesia's Acting Director of Commerce, Mukhtaris, stated that the program is intended to add value to trips to Indonesia by giving travelers more options to continue their domestic journey, while also supporting inbound traffic and strengthening the airline's role in national tourism growth. Ministry of Tourism official Ni Made Ayu Marthini and Mastercard Indonesia Country Manager Aileen Goh both emphasized the potential benefits for local economies and small businesses across the archipelago.
As of this announcement, specific details regarding eligible routes, qualifying international flights, and exact terms of participation have not been disclosed. For tourists currently planning trips through Bali, this could expand their options when booking onward domestic travel in the future.
Things to Consider
If you are planning a trip to Indonesia via Bali and want to visit other regions such as Lake Toba, Borobudur, Mandalika, or Labuan Bajo, check Garuda Indonesia's official website or contact their booking office to confirm which routes and conditions qualify for this Stopover Program. Since eligibility details (such as fare class, specific routes, and booking timing) have not yet been fully disclosed, it is advisable to inquire directly with the airline before finalizing your travel plans.
Source: Medcom ID