Indonesia Drives Domestic Tourism for Christmas and New Year 2026 with Major Travel Subsidies and Discounts

Indonesia is launching a dynamic new initiative to boost domestic tourism during the Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 holiday season. By offering substantial travel subsidies and running an extensive promotional campaign, the government aims to encourage more Indonesians to explore their own country’s rich cultural, natural, and historical offerings. The initiative is designed not only to increase domestic tourism but also to foster economic growth through the tourism sector, which has proven to be a key driver of the nation’s economy.

At the heart of this effort is the “Time for a Vacation in #OnlyIndonesia” campaign, launched by the Tourism Ministry. This campaign seeks to ignite a sense of national pride and encourage citizens to explore new destinations within Indonesia. By promoting local tourism, the government hopes to reduce reliance on international travel while making it easier for Indonesians to discover the diverse experiences available in their own backyard.

The government is providing significant financial support to make travel more affordable, with a special focus on the major transportation sectors. One of the key elements of this initiative is a 30% discount on rail fares for 1.5 million passengers traveling between December 22, 2025, and January 10, 2026. This initiative is designed to make train travel more accessible and affordable for those looking to connect with family, visit new destinations, or enjoy a relaxing holiday experience. Rail travel offers a convenient and scenic way to explore Indonesia, and the government’s subsidies are expected to boost its popularity over the holiday period.

In addition to rail subsidies, maritime travel will also benefit from the government’s stimulus. The state-owned company PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (PELNI) is offering a 20% discount on base fares for over 400,000 passengers. Starting December 17, 2025, and continuing through January 10, 2026, this discount will make it easier for travelers to explore Indonesia’s many islands and coastal destinations. Sea travel is an essential part of Indonesia’s transportation network, especially for those living on remote islands or looking to visit popular coastal areas.

Ferry services, managed by PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, are also included in the government’s travel subsidy program. Reduced port service fees will apply to 227,000 passengers and 491,000 vehicles during the peak travel period. These savings are aimed at making ferry services more affordable, particularly for families and larger groups traveling with vehicles. With Indonesia’s numerous islands, ferries play a crucial role in connecting people to their desired destinations, and this discount is expected to encourage more travelers to take advantage of this mode of transport.

Air travel is another focal point for the government’s strategy. In an effort to make flying more affordable during the holiday season, the government is providing a reduction of 12-14% on ticket prices for flights booked between October 22, 2025, and January 10, 2026. This initiative includes tax exemptions, lower fuel surcharge fees, and reduced avtur (aviation fuel) prices. These combined measures will help ease the cost of air travel, making it more accessible to a broader range of domestic travelers. Given that many popular tourist destinations are located far from major cities, air travel is often the most practical option for Indonesians looking to explore the country.

Alongside these transportation discounts, the Tourism Ministry is collaborating with other government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and private tourism businesses to promote attractive holiday travel packages. These packages will highlight Indonesia’s vibrant culture, rich traditions, stunning natural landscapes, and unique culinary offerings. The packages will be marketed through the Ministry’s social media channels, reaching a wide audience and encouraging more people to take part in domestic tourism.

In addition, the Tourism Ministry has urged tourism businesses to join in this effort by offering additional deals on airfare, accommodation, and guided tours. The goal is to make holiday travel even more affordable and enjoyable for Indonesians, which will, in turn, stimulate spending in the tourism sector and support local economies. The collaborative approach involving both public and private sectors is expected to maximize the effectiveness of the initiative and ensure a successful holiday season for all involved.

With these combined efforts, the government aims to reach its goal of 1.08 billion domestic tourist trips in 2025. The subsidies, along with the promotional campaigns and travel packages, are expected to drive significant economic activity and help revitalize the domestic tourism industry. By making travel more affordable and accessible, Indonesia is positioning itself to experience a surge in domestic tourism during the 2025 Christmas and New Year period. The initiative also reflects the government’s long-term commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable tourism sector that benefits both locals and visitors.

In summary, the government’s bold move to offer travel subsidies and launch a targeted promotional campaign for the 2025-2026 holiday season is expected to have a profound impact on the domestic tourism market. By making travel more affordable and showcasing the beauty and diversity of Indonesia’s many destinations, the government is working to boost national tourism while supporting economic growth and strengthening local businesses. As Indonesia prepares for the busy holiday season, these efforts promise to make the Christmas and New Year holidays more accessible and enjoyable for all.

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