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THE INDONESIAN Ministry of Tourism has required foreign Online Travel Agent (OTA) platforms operating in Indonesia to fulfill business licensing requirements, including obtaining a Business Identification Number (NIB) and the Indonesian Standard Classification of Business Fields (KBLI).
This policy has received support from Trisakti University Public Policy Observer, Trubus Rahardiansyah. According to him, this step is crucial to ensure that foreign businesses benefiting from the Indonesian market remain subject to applicable regulations.
“This is important in the context of ensuring that foreign OTAs respect and comply with applicable regulations in Indonesia. I think this policy is an innovative policy,” Trubus told kontan.co.id on Thursday (06/18), 2026.
The Ministry of Tourism is currently preparing a data integration system with OTAs through an Application Programming Interface (API) to facilitate verification of the legality of accommodation businesses marketed through digital platforms. In this process, the government is also encouraging business actors, including foreign OTA platforms, to comply with licensing obligations in Indonesia.
Several foreign OTAs widely used by tourists in Indonesia include Agoda, Booking.com, and Airbnb. These platforms are a crucial part of the national tourism product distribution chain, particularly accommodations.
Trubus believes that the NIB and KBLI requirements are also crucial for creating a level playing field between foreign and domestic businesses. He believes that there is a perception that local OTAs face a greater regulatory burden than foreign competitors.
“In terms of business fairness, domestic OTAs feel there is a gap. Therefore, this regulation can create healthier competition,” he said.
He added that compliance with business regulations can also open greater investment opportunities for foreign OTAs. If these companies have a stronger business entity in Indonesia, the opportunities for opening offices and business expansion are considered greater.
“If they can develop businesses or branch offices in various regions of Indonesia, that will also absorb labor,” he noted.
Trubus believes that some foreign OTAs tend to view Indonesia as a large market, but have not yet fully adapted to applicable domestic business regulations.
Therefore, he supports the government’s efforts to strengthen regulatory compliance without reducing Indonesia’s attractiveness as an investment destination and tourism market.
However, Trubus emphasized that the implementation of this policy needs to be accompanied by adequate outreach to foreign businesses. He believes a more moderate approach will help build trust, allowing for a more effective regulatory adjustment process.
“The important thing is how the government can create conditions that allow them to remain comfortable doing business in Indonesia while still complying with applicable regulations,” he concluded. [kontan.co.id/photo special]
