How Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya Are Becoming Must-Visit Destinations This Holiday Season, Boosting Indonesia’s Economic Growth Through Tourism and Retail

Published on December 16, 2025

Indonesia’s government is banking on the holiday season to drive economic growth in the final quarter of 2025. With consumer spending expected to soar during the Christmas and New Year period, Indonesia aims to stimulate domestic consumption and offset global economic challenges. Projections suggest that spending in December could reach as high as Rp 120 trillion (approximately $7.2 billion), a significant contribution to the country’s GDP, which is heavily influenced by household consumption.

The country’s economic resilience during the last quarter will be largely determined by the success of these seasonal spending efforts, particularly in retail, tourism, and transportation. With global economic uncertainties weighing on growth prospects, Indonesia is focusing on its domestic consumption to maintain a growth rate above 5.4% for Q4 2025.

Record-Breaking Holiday Spending Projections for Indonesia

As Indonesia enters the holiday season, the government expects a surge in consumer spending, with projections ranging between Rp 110 trillion and Rp 120 trillion for December. This spending boom will be crucial in supporting the nation’s economic momentum through the final stretch of 2025, a period fraught with external challenges like weak global demand and tighter financial conditions.

The contribution of household consumption to Indonesia’s GDP is more than 50%, making the holiday period an essential driver of national economic growth. The government is strategically leveraging the festive season to inject vitality into various sectors of the economy.

Boosting Retail and Online Shopping Through Strategic Discounts

One of the key drivers of the expected holiday spending surge is Indonesia’s National Online Shopping Day, which runs from December 12 to December 16. The event is set to generate Rp 34 trillion in online transactions, underlining the growing importance of e-commerce in Indonesia’s economic landscape.

At the same time, offline retail is also experiencing a resurgence. Shopping malls across Indonesia are offering discounts of up to 80% during the peak of the holiday season, with total transactions expected to reach Rp 30 trillion. These efforts align with the government’s goal of boosting both online and offline retail sectors, making the holiday season an essential contributor to the country’s overall economic health.

Transportation Incentives: Making Travel More Accessible

In addition to retail incentives, Indonesia is also offering a series of transportation discounts to encourage increased mobility during the holiday period. Non-subsidized train tickets will be available at a 30% discount for travel between December 22, 2025, and January 10, 2026. Similarly, state-owned shipping operator Pelni will offer a 20% discount on passenger fares from December 17 to January 10.

These discounted fares are designed to increase the movement of people across the country, ensuring that the holiday season does not only benefit the retail and e-commerce sectors but also boosts regional travel and supports the tourism industry.

Air Travel: Cheaper Flights to Facilitate Holiday Movements

To further facilitate increased mobility, the government has also reduced airline ticket prices by around 13% to 14% for flights scheduled between December 22, 2025, and January 10, 2026. The fare discounts apply to tickets purchased between October 22, 2025, and January 10, 2026, making air travel more accessible to a broader segment of the population.

These price reductions are not only aimed at stimulating domestic tourism but also play a vital role in ensuring that people across the nation can reunite with their families, fostering the holiday spirit and supporting economic activity across various regions.

Tourism Events: A Key Pillar of Indonesia’s Economic Strategy

The tourism sector is another area where the Indonesian government is focusing its efforts. Throughout December 2025, the government has planned 37 tourism events across the country, designed to stimulate domestic travel and create a sense of community engagement during the festive period. These events will not only drive tourism spending but also help distribute economic activity more evenly across Indonesia’s diverse regions.

By promoting local tourism, Indonesia is positioning holiday travel as an economic pillar in the final quarter of the year. Whether it’s visiting cultural festivals, local markets, or enjoying regional food offerings, these events are expected to enhance the overall tourist experience while providing a boost to the local economies.

Making the Most of Indonesia’s Holiday Incentives: Travel Tips for Tourists

For tourists looking to experience Indonesia during the holiday season, there are several tips to ensure an enjoyable and cost-effective trip:

1. Book Early: Take advantage of discounted rates on train tickets and airfares by booking in advance.
2. Explore Local Events: Attend one of the 37 tourism events happening throughout the month to experience Indonesia’s rich cultural offerings.
3. Visit Regional Attractions: Use the discounted travel fares to explore different regions and experience Indonesia’s diverse landscapes.
4. Shop Smart: Take advantage of holiday sales at malls and online platforms to snag some great deals on gifts and souvenirs.

By planning ahead, tourists can enjoy an affordable and memorable holiday experience in Indonesia, while also contributing to the country’s economic growth.

Keeping the Economy Going Strong: Final Thoughts on Indonesia’s Strategy

With global challenges threatening to slow down growth, Indonesia’s government is wisely turning to domestic consumption to drive its economic success in the final quarter of 2025. Through a mix of shopping incentives, travel discounts, and targeted tourism initiatives, Indonesia is hoping to not only maintain growth above 5.4% but also foster a sense of unity and celebration across the country. As holiday spending continues to surge, it’s clear that Indonesia’s holiday season is set to play a key role in its economic recovery.