As Southeast Asia's travel industry rebounds, China is positioning itself as a leading destination for Indonesian tourists through cultural diplomacy and streamlined travel policies. Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Tourism Marketing, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, highlighted this trend in a recent interview, emphasizing how shared heritage and improved connectivity are reshaping travel preferences.
"Chinese destinations resonate deeply with Indonesian travelers through historical maritime Silk Road connections," Marthini told CGTN, noting that cities like Quanzhou and Xiamen attract visitors seeking cultural familiarity. Simplified visa processes and direct flight expansions between Jakarta and Chengdu have further boosted accessibility.
The discussion also addressed future collaboration, with both nations exploring joint tourism training programs and eco-tourism initiatives. Marthini emphasized: "Our cooperation extends beyond visitor numbers – it's about creating sustainable models for Asia's post-pandemic tourism recovery."
Industry analysts observe that China's tourism outreach aligns with its broader economic partnerships in ASEAN, offering new opportunities for cross-border hospitality investments. With Lunar New Year travel projections showing a 45% year-on-year increase in Indonesian visitors to China, this trend signals shifting dynamics in Asia's travel economy.
