After The August Riots, The Struggle To Convincing Foreign Tourists To Stay Come

Security is the main factor that must be realized so that foreign tourists want to come. (IST)

JAKARTA - The wave of demonstrations that occurred on August 25, 2025, left a trail of concern in various sectors, including tourism. Not only in Jakarta, the action which initially demanded transparency and reform of the DPR extends to 32 provinces. A number of points of action even led to anarchy, riots, burning of public facilities, and looting.

The immediate impact begins to be felt in the tourism industry. Several foreign tourists chose to postpone their trip to Indonesia, especially to Java, Bali, and Lombok. This was revealed by Edu Lahar Pragowo, founder of the Java Private Tour, a company that focuses on providing private tours for foreign tourists.

Since August 26, many of our guests have contacted via email and WhatsApp, asking if Indonesia is safe to visit. Some have delayed their departure," said Edu when met at his office in Jakarta, Friday, September 5.

According to Edu, the fear of tourists is not without reason. International news showing riots, including the burning of DPRD buildings in several cities and clashes that claimed lives, made prospective tourists hesitant to travel to Indonesia.

"For foreign tourists, security is a top priority. When they see videos of riots or read news about looting, they will think twice before coming," he said.

Economic Impact, From Foreign Exchange To Local Craftsmen

Edu explained that tourism is not only a matter of recreational travel, but also an important source of foreign exchange for the country. In addition, tourism activities bring direct economic benefits to many parties, ranging from batik craftsmen, dance artists, local tour guides, to traditional culinary traders.

"If tourists don't come, the people who are most affected are the small people. They lose their daily income," said Edu.

Java Private Tour itself often brings together foreign tourists with the local community. On one trip, tourists can buy batik directly from craftsmen, enjoy dance performances from village art studios, or taste coffee from local farmers.

"All transactions go directly to them, without intermediaries. So the impact feels real. When the situation is not safe and tourists don't come, all of that stops," said Edu.

Support 17+8 People's Demands, Invite Order

Seeing the conditions that occurred, Edu personally expressed support for the 17+8 People's Demands movement, which calls for political and economic reforms. According to him, this demand is important to create long-term stability that will benefit all sectors, including tourism.

If there is economic inequality that is not resolved, in the end there will definitely be another demonstration. If the demonstration turns into a riot, the impact will not only be on the government, but also on ordinary people and the business world," he explained.

Even so, Edu appealed to the action to be delivered peacefully. "We support the aspirations of the people, but don't let it be anarchist. Because if there is violence, the worst impact is for all of us," he said.

The Situation Is Now Conducive

Edu ensured that the current condition was conducive again. Tourist locations, he said, are safe to visit, and riots do not spread to major tourist destination areas.

"For now, the situation is stable. We also continue to monitor developments in the field. Guests can feel calm to continue their travel plans," said Edu.

He added that several guests who had postponed their departure had now re-confirmed their travel schedule.

"We are ready to provide the best experience and show the world that Indonesia is still a friendly and beautiful country to visit," said Edu with a smile.