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THE INDONESIAN Shopping Center Management Association (APPBI) emphasized the need to integrate commercial hubs with tourist destinations in an effort to improve shopping tourism services.
“When we talk about shopping tourism, I think the number one priority is how to integrate tourist destinations with all tourism support, such as shopping centers, hotels, transportation, and so on,” said APPBI Chairman Alphonzus Wijaja in Jakarta on Friday (08/7), 2026.
“The main challenge is how to integrate tourist destinations with commercial hubs,” he said.
According to him, developing integrated tourism areas that include commercial hubs can enhance the tourist experience at tourist destinations.
He stated that the integration of commercial hubs with tourist destinations has been implemented in regions such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur.
He cited Singapore’s Orchard Road shopping area as an example, Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui, Tokyo’s Ginza, and Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Bintang.
Alphonzus stated that the government needs to encourage the establishment of integrated tourist areas with commercial hubs, such as those in Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur.
He believes the development of the Blok M area in Jakarta can serve as an example of integrating commercial hubs with tourist destinations.
“This is what must be continuously encouraged. So that when tourists come, both international and domestic, they are immediately integrated with the commercial area,” he affirmed.
In addition to integrating commercial hubs with tourist destinations, Alphonzus said the government needs to improve shopping facilities for foreign tourists.
In this regard, the government has provided tax refunds for foreign tourists who purchase goods at any store (retailer) displaying the “Tax Refund for Tourists” logo.
Alphonzus also stated that the weakening rupiah exchange rate has made goods in Indonesia more affordable for foreign tourists, and this could encourage increased tourist visits from neighboring countries.
He believes that tourist visits from Malaysia, who want to shop in Jakarta and Bandung, are likely to increase under such conditions.
“I think these are the things that need to be continuously promoted so that tourists also participate. The increase in tourist numbers also drives retail sales,” he concluded. [antaranews]
