Month: February 2026
Posts published in this period.
News Digitalization of “All Indonesia Arrival Card” Updated To streamline the entry process for the 2026 peak season, the Indonesian government has updated its online arrival card system. International travelers are now required to complete the digital card within 72 hours of arrival, integrating health declarations and e-Visa applications into a single portal to reduce wait times at immigration checkpoints in major gateways like Jakarta and Bali.
News Government Projects 143.9 Million Travelers for 2026 “Mudik” Season The Ministry of Transportation has finalized its projections for the upcoming Eid exodus, estimating that over 50% of the Indonesian population will travel during the holiday period. To handle the surge, authorities are deploying over 31,000 buses and hundreds of aircraft, while urging travelers to utilize public transport to minimize the congestion expected on major toll roads and at domestic airport hubs.
News New Travel Regulations Proposed for International Visitors to Bali In a bid to promote "quality tourism," Indonesian officials have introduced new guidelines for foreign tourists entering Bali in 2026. The measures include stricter documentation requirements and a focus on attracting visitors who respect the island's cultural and environmental fabric, a policy shift that is expected to eventually influence travel protocols across other islands like Sumba.
News The Rise of “Dry Tourism” and Mindful Travel in Sumba A new travel trend dubbed "Dry Tourism"—focused on alcohol-light, wellness-oriented, and slow-paced escapes—has gained significant traction in Sumba this month. Resorts are reporting a surge in interest from conscious travelers who prioritize mental clarity and deep connection with the island's rugged landscapes over traditional party-centric vacation styles.
News Indonesia Tourism Strategy Shifts Focus to “Quality Over Volume” At the ASEAN Tourism Forum, the Ministry of Tourism emphasized a strategic shift toward high-spending, long-staying visitors for 2026. The "Tourism 5.0" initiative uses AI to personalize travel experiences, focusing on the development of the "12 Other Balis," which includes the Sumba region, to distribute economic benefits more evenly across the country.
News Indonesia Projects 143.9 Million Travelers for Upcoming Eid Exodus Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi announced that over 143 million people are expected to travel across the archipelago for the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday. To manage the massive movement, the government is preparing over 31,000 buses and nearly 400 aircraft, while coordinating safety inspections to ensure smooth travel for domestic tourists and homecoming travelers.
News ASTINDO Travel Fair 2026 Records Multi-Billion IDR in Transactions The 23rd ASTINDO Travel Fair held in mid-February showcased a booming recovery for Indonesia's travel market, generating approximately IDR 50.10 billion. While outbound travel to Japan and China remains high, the fair also noted a significant uptick in demand for domestic "off-the-beaten-path" destinations like Sumba and Labuan Bajo for the 2026 holiday season.
News Deputy Tourism Minister Showcases Sumba Culture at BCA Expoversary Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Enik Ermawati, performed a traditional Sumba dance at the BCA Expoversary in Tangerang to promote regional tourism. The event highlighted Sumba's natural-dyed textiles and traditional "Rangkak Alu" dance, emphasizing the government's commitment to integrating local indigenous culture into the national tourism marketing strategy.
News Pasola Festival 2026: Ancient Spear-Throwing Ritual Begins in Kodi The iconic Pasola Festival, a traditional ritual of spear-throwing on horseback, commenced its 2026 season in the Kodi area of West Sumba. Guided by the appearance of the nyale (sea worms), the event serves as a thanksgiving ritual to ancestral spirits and attracted thousands of visitors to witness the intense displays of bravery and Sumbanese cultural identity.
Travel Journal Guest Post Best Things to do in Sumba Island Here are the best things to do in SUMBA ISLAND! I am so excited for you guys to explore this…
Travel Journal Guest Post Best Things to do in Sumba Island Here are the best things to do in SUMBA ISLAND! I am so excited for you guys to explore this…
News Digitalization of “All Indonesia Arrival Card” Updated To streamline the entry process for the 2026 peak season, the Indonesian government has updated its online arrival card system. International travelers are now required to complete the digital card within 72 hours of arrival, integrating health declarations and e-Visa applications into a single portal to reduce wait times at immigration checkpoints in major gateways like Jakarta and Bali.
News Government Projects 143.9 Million Travelers for 2026 “Mudik” Season The Ministry of Transportation has finalized its projections for the upcoming Eid exodus, estimating that over 50% of the Indonesian population will travel during the holiday period. To handle the surge, authorities are deploying over 31,000 buses and hundreds of aircraft, while urging travelers to utilize public transport to minimize the congestion expected on major toll roads and at domestic airport hubs.
News New Travel Regulations Proposed for International Visitors to Bali In a bid to promote "quality tourism," Indonesian officials have introduced new guidelines for foreign tourists entering Bali in 2026. The measures include stricter documentation requirements and a focus on attracting visitors who respect the island's cultural and environmental fabric, a policy shift that is expected to eventually influence travel protocols across other islands like Sumba.
News The Rise of “Dry Tourism” and Mindful Travel in Sumba A new travel trend dubbed "Dry Tourism"—focused on alcohol-light, wellness-oriented, and slow-paced escapes—has gained significant traction in Sumba this month. Resorts are reporting a surge in interest from conscious travelers who prioritize mental clarity and deep connection with the island's rugged landscapes over traditional party-centric vacation styles.
News Indonesia Tourism Strategy Shifts Focus to “Quality Over Volume” At the ASEAN Tourism Forum, the Ministry of Tourism emphasized a strategic shift toward high-spending, long-staying visitors for 2026. The "Tourism 5.0" initiative uses AI to personalize travel experiences, focusing on the development of the "12 Other Balis," which includes the Sumba region, to distribute economic benefits more evenly across the country.
News Indonesia Projects 143.9 Million Travelers for Upcoming Eid Exodus Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi announced that over 143 million people are expected to travel across the archipelago for the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday. To manage the massive movement, the government is preparing over 31,000 buses and nearly 400 aircraft, while coordinating safety inspections to ensure smooth travel for domestic tourists and homecoming travelers.
News ASTINDO Travel Fair 2026 Records Multi-Billion IDR in Transactions The 23rd ASTINDO Travel Fair held in mid-February showcased a booming recovery for Indonesia's travel market, generating approximately IDR 50.10 billion. While outbound travel to Japan and China remains high, the fair also noted a significant uptick in demand for domestic "off-the-beaten-path" destinations like Sumba and Labuan Bajo for the 2026 holiday season.
News Deputy Tourism Minister Showcases Sumba Culture at BCA Expoversary Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Enik Ermawati, performed a traditional Sumba dance at the BCA Expoversary in Tangerang to promote regional tourism. The event highlighted Sumba's natural-dyed textiles and traditional "Rangkak Alu" dance, emphasizing the government's commitment to integrating local indigenous culture into the national tourism marketing strategy.
News Pasola Festival 2026: Ancient Spear-Throwing Ritual Begins in Kodi The iconic Pasola Festival, a traditional ritual of spear-throwing on horseback, commenced its 2026 season in the Kodi area of West Sumba. Guided by the appearance of the nyale (sea worms), the event serves as a thanksgiving ritual to ancestral spirits and attracted thousands of visitors to witness the intense displays of bravery and Sumbanese cultural identity.
Travel Journal Guest Post Best Things to do in Sumba Island Here are the best things to do in SUMBA ISLAND! I am so excited for you guys to explore this hidden gem. Make sure to prepare yourself for…
Travel Journal Guest Post Best Things to do in Sumba Island Here are the best things to do in SUMBA ISLAND! I am so excited for you guys to explore this hidden gem. Make sure to prepare yourself for…