Tourist visits to Thousand Islands dropped in 2025, its tropical nature remains Jakarta's magnet

North of Jakarta, the coral island chain Kepulauan Seribu stretches out serenely. Shallow turquoise waters, fine White Sand, and coastal villages moving to the rhythm of wind and waves. However, throughout 2025, tourist traffic to this tropical area slightly slowed.

The Tourism and Creative Economy Office (Parekraf) of Kepulauan Seribu recorded 398,519 tourist visits to this island region within Jakarta Province during 2025.

According to Sonti Pangaribuan, Head of the Kepulauan Seribu Tourism and Creative Economy Office, this number reflects a 3.07% decrease compared to 2024's achievement of 411,161 Tourist Visits.

Nevertheless, this slight decline doesn't indicate reduced appeal for this marine destination. He stated tourist interest in Kepulauan Seribu remains relatively high.

Most visitors were Domestic Tourists, totaling 384,213 people or 96.4% of all visits.

"Meanwhile, Foreign Tourists numbered 14,306 or 3.6%," he said in Jakarta on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Visit distribution revealed interesting patterns. Tourists preferred inhabited islands offering easy access and rich social interactions, accounting for approximately 380,475 visits. 

Meanwhile, resort island visits totaled 13,932 people, tourist islands 3,575, and nature reserve islands 537.

Pari Island emerged as the top choice, followed by Untung Jawa Island and Tidung Island. These islands combine beaches, coastal culture, and local homestays. 

Tourists seeking private tranquility chose resort destinations like Bidadari Island, Putri Island, and Macan Island. 

Sonti explained peak Tourist Visits occurred in April 2025 with 65,153 visitors and May with 53,098. These peaks closely aligned with national Holiday calendars. 

During the second semester, monthly visits remained relatively stable between 24,000 and 39,000.

Beyond statistics, weather played a major role. He noted decreased tourist numbers in 2025 were influenced by near year-round Rainy Season conditions frequently accompanied by high waves.

Moving forward, local government views this data as an opportunity for improvement. 

"We continue promoting Kepulauan Seribu Tourist Destinations and hope for cross-sectoral support. Hopefully this year's tourist numbers can increase more significantly," he said.

For Jakarta, Kepulauan Seribu isn't merely a holiday destination but an ecological and cultural breathing space. 

Visit numbers may fluctuate, but the archipelago's intrinsic value remains an enduring attraction waiting to be rediscovered. (Antara)