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THE MINISTRY of Tourism is mapping regions with authentic, superior products that have the potential to become shopping tourism destinations in an effort to attract tourists.
“In many countries, shopping tourism is even the main driver of tourist visits,” said Deputy for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, to Antaranews in Jakarta, Saturday (06/13/2026).
“Indonesia also has the same potential, because each region has its own distinct and authentic characteristics of superior products,” she added.
According to her, the Ministry of Tourism is designing shopping tourism travel services in various regions. These travel services will cover areas offering superior shopping centers, unique products, as well as local culinary and cultural experiences.
Initially, the shopping tourism travel service is planned to cover areas that are already favorite shopping destinations for tourists, such as Jakarta, Bandung, Batam, Bali, Medan, and Surabaya.
Made explained that Jakarta can offer shopping experiences and an urban lifestyle, while Bandung has superior fashion and creative products.
Batam is considered to be able to leverage its proximity to Singapore and Malaysia to offer superior products, while Medan can attract tourists with a variety of culinary offerings.
Made stated that Surabaya has the potential to become a center for shopping and culinary tourism, and Bali excels in handicrafts, fitness services, and lifestyle products.
“However, going forward, this approach will also be expanded to other regions based on local strengths, including Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) centers, tourist villages, and creative economy centers,” Made said.
Made emphasized that shopping tourism services have a significant impact on the competitiveness of a tourist destination.
“The Ministry of Tourism views shopping tourism as an attraction that can strengthen the regional tourism ecosystem. Local products, fashion, crafts, unique souvenirs, and lifestyle experiences can be additional reasons for someone to choose a destination,” she added.
In addition to increasing tourist visits, the presence of shopping tourism services has the potential to extend tourist stays and increase tourist spending.
The presence of shopping tourism services will also have a positive impact on other local business activities such as culinary, transportation, accommodation, and the creative economy. [antaranews]
