How Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism Promotes Jakarta Tourism Among Chinese Tourists

The Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar) is strengthening promotion for Jakarta as a leading international tourism destination. One of its latest initiatives will be held via a Familiarization Trip (Famtrip) and Networking Dinner from 27 June to 1 July 2026, targeted at premium tourism industry stakeholders from China.

This programme is part of the strategy to present Jakarta not only as a business hub, but also as an urban tourism destination that offers complete visitor experiences. This ranges from rich cultural heritage, culinary tourism, marine attractions, to world-class Meeting, Incentive, Convention, and Exhibition (MICE) facilities.

Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism, stated that this activity was developed through collaboration with Mandarin Oriental Jakarta, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, and ASTINDO.

"This initiative also supports efforts from both the central government and DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to strengthen Jakarta's tourism promotion in the international market, particularly the strategically important and continuously growing Chinese market," stated Made.

According to Made, Jakarta has far wider appeal beyond just being a metropolitan city. Aside from operating as the national economic centre, the capital also serves as an easily accessible gateway for international travellers to reach various marine tourism destinations across Indonesia.

The combination of modern urban districts alongside the natural beauty of the Thousand Islands is the key value proposition being introduced to the Chinese market. This integrated tourism concept is intended to attract travellers seeking varied holiday experiences within a single trip itinerary.

Throughout the programme, participants will be taken to visit Jakarta's flagship tourist destinations. Activities include a guided city tour, a curated gastronomy experience with two-Michelin-starred Chef Fei from China, as well as excursions to marine tourism sites at Putri Island, Macan Island and Sepa Island in the Thousand Islands archipelago.

Other scheduled agenda includes a gala dinner at Lyon Restaurant Mandarin Oriental Jakarta, a visit to the Jakarta Textile Museum, wellness activities, and experiencing the atmosphere of Pantai Indah Kapuk, the modern coastal district that has grown in popularity as an urban tourism destination.

"Jakarta was selected as the host location for this activity also due to its position as one of Indonesia's main international air gateways, alongside its designation as a pilot project for priority regenerative tourism destinations under the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN)," stated Made.

Successful delivery of this Famtrip received support from China Southern Airlines, who facilitated travel for participants from China to Jakarta. This collaboration also reinforces direct flight connectivity between Indonesia and China, which is identified as one of the critical factors for increasing international tourist arrivals.

As the closing highlight of the event, participating Chinese travel buyers were matched with six Jakarta-based Indonesian tourism operators: Mandarin Oriental Jakarta, ASTINDO, White Horse Group, Elok Tour, Clio Tour & Events, and Infotour. This business matching session opens cooperation opportunities to bring higher volumes of visitors to Indonesia.

This Famtrip programme has generated an estimated potential arrival of approximately 400 Chinese visitors, with projected foreign exchange earnings reaching 485,200 US Dollars or approximately IDR 8.71 billion. This figure confirms that direct engagement with travel industry stakeholders remains an effective strategy to boost international tourist arrivals.

The event was attended by prominent premium travel agencies and leading MICE companies from China, including UMICE Beijing, HIMICE Events Shenzhen, China Comfort Travel MICE, HCG Travel Group, and Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou. Their participation is expected to expand Jakarta's promotional network within the premium travel market.

China's travel market continues to demonstrate positive growth trends. Between January and May 2026 alone, Indonesia recorded 617,186 tourist arrivals from China.

Meanwhile, based on Amadeus data as of July 2026, direct flight routes from multiple cities across China to Jakarta, Bali, Manado and Surabaya had a total available seat capacity of 1,768,545 up to May, operated by 12 airlines. This creates even greater opportunity for increased tourist flow into the country.