Middle East Conflict Could Affect National Aviation and Tourism

Global travel industry worries about the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Surging energy prices and global economic uncertainty potentially pressure the international aviation and tourism sectors.

In Indonesia, domestic travel momentum remains a promising mainstay amid uncertain global conditions.

According to PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero) or InJourney, Global Geopolitics dynamics could impact the travel ecosystem, particularly through rising energy costs and exchange rate fluctuations affecting the aviation industry.

“We all understand that energy conditions, exchange rates, and the global situation will inevitably have an impact. It's impossible not to be affected, including aviation,” said InJourney Commercial Director Veronica H. Sisilia at the InJourney Hospitality press conference welcoming preparations ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 H in Jakarta, Monday.

In tourism, fuel price changes are often a sensitive indicator. When oil prices soar, airline operating costs also rise, a domino effect that could affect ticket prices and cross-border tourist mobility.

Nevertheless, Indonesia still has a strong buffer: continuously growing domestic tourism.

Internal company data shows that throughout 2025, Domestic Tourist travel increased by approximately 14.4 percent with total movements of 101 million trips.

Meanwhile, visits by Foreign Tourists reached around 1.14 million people in the same period. This figure still indicates global interest in the archipelago's destinations despite fluctuating world conditions.

Veronica hopes domestic travel growth can become an important foundation if the International Tourism market faces pressure due to geopolitical dynamics.

“We hope domestic tourism remains strong. That's one of the foundations of the tourism sector today,” she said.

As a company managing the national Tourism Ecosystem, from airports and destinations to hotel networks, PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia is preparing a strategy based on cultural strengths and national priority destinations.

This approach is considered crucial to maintaining Indonesia's tourism appeal amid global uncertainty.

Travel momentum is also projected to increase ahead of long holiday seasons, especially the 2026 Eid period when the homecoming tradition and Family Tourism typically drive large-scale domestic mobility.

"Domestic tourism is relatively tied to whatever InJourney prepares, back to cultural (budaya) and whatever we have in Indonesian Culture. Hopefully this remains good, everything runs smoothly and safely. And once again, as service providers, we want everyone to enjoy Traveling with peace of mind," she concluded.