Indonesia's Tourism Ministry Ramps Up China Market Promotion, Leveraging Visa-Free Policy to Boost Arrivals
Indonesia's Tourism Ministry is strengthening promotion in the Chinese market, partnering with travel platforms like Ctrip and Qunar and airlines such as China Southern, capitalizing on China's regional visa-free policy launched in August 2026. Chinese visitor arrivals reached about 162,600 in August 2026, up 15.6% year-on-year, making China the third-largest source market for Indonesian tourism.
Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar) announced it is intensifying promotion of Indonesian destinations in the Chinese market, taking advantage of China's regional visa-free policy for group tourists from ASEAN countries, which took effect in August 2026. Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Luh Puspa said the ministry is collaborating with Chinese digital travel platforms Ctrip, Qunar, and Tuniu, as well as airlines China Southern and Xiamen Airlines, to broaden its promotional reach.
According to the ministry, direct flight seat capacity from various Chinese cities to Indonesia reached approximately 1.9 million seats as of October 2026, based on Amadeus data, with further route and frequency expansion anticipated. Chinese visitor arrivals in August 2026 totaled about 162,600, up 15.6% year-on-year, making China the third-largest source of foreign tourist arrivals to Indonesia.
Additionally, a cross-border QR code payment system, 'QRIS Antarnegara,' between Indonesia and China was launched on April 30, 2026, aimed at improving payment convenience for travelers. The ministry also stated it plans to extend promotion beyond Bali to other regions offering marine, nature, cultural, and wellness tourism.
Things to Consider
Travelers from China considering a trip to Indonesia should check direct flight options and fares via partner platforms like Ctrip, Qunar, and Tuniu, or airlines China Southern and Xiamen Airlines, to compare routes and pricing. For payments, look for merchants supporting the QRIS Antarnegara cross-border QR system, which can reduce the need to carry large amounts of cash. Consider exploring destinations beyond Bali—such as those focused on marine, nature, cultural, or wellness tourism—for less crowded alternatives.
Source: pantaucom