Favorite Tourist Countries in Indonesia Throughout 2025 According to BPS Data, Dominated by Asian Regions

Illustration (Freepik)

YOGYAKARTA - Curious, to which country do Indonesians most often go on vacation? For those of you who like to vacation, the trend of traveling abroad is indeed on the rise. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded a surge in overseas travel by Indonesian tourists in 2025, up 2.53 percent compared to the previous year.

Interestingly, the choice of the destination country for Indonesian tourists is inseparable from the factors of proximity, ease of access, and cultural comfort. Many tourists prefer destinations that feel familiar, practical, and friendly for travelers. Then, which country is the most visited by Indonesian tourists throughout 2025?

Favorite Tourist Country in Indonesia 2025 Based on BPS Data

BPS noted that Indonesian tourist trips in January-November 2025 reached 8.34 million trips. Even on a monthly basis, November alone contributed almost 795 thousand trips abroad.

As previously mentioned, the travel preferences of Indonesian tourists are greatly influenced by distance, culture, and flight connectivity. Asia is still the main attraction because it is relatively close and friendly for Indonesian tourists.

Malaysia consistently ranks first as the favorite country for Indonesian tourists. In September 2025, Malaysia recorded a share of 28.92 percent of the total outbound travel. Geographical proximity, cultural similarities, as well as land and air transportation options make this neighboring country a choice for Indonesians.

In second place, Saudi Arabia recorded a contribution of around 18.77 percent of national tourist trips. This high figure is inseparable from the activities of umrah and religious tourism which take place throughout the year. For many Indonesian tourists, a trip to Saudi Arabia is a spiritual journey.

Singapore is in third place with a contribution of around 13 percent. This city-state is popular for short trips, shopping, to business affairs. The very dense flight access and complete tourist facilities make Singapore always attractive in the eyes of Indonesian tourists.

China or China ranks fourth with a share of around 7.78 percent. Indonesian tourists' interest in the Bamboo Curtain country continues to increase. Cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen are increasingly popular as educational and urban tourist destinations.

Thailand completes the top five favorite countries for Indonesian tourists with a contribution of around 4.72 percent. This country is known for culinary, cultural, festival, and cheap shopping that attracts tourists. In addition, the hospitality of the local community is a unique attraction for Southeast Asian tourists.

The above BPS data shows that Indonesian tourists are now more selective in choosing destinations. In the future, this trend opens up wider opportunities for Indonesian tourists to explore diverse and easily accessible international destinations.

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