More Malaysians Are Travelling To Indonesia As Rupiah Hits Record Low
As of today, 22 April, 1 million Indonesian rupiah is worth roughly RM260, compared to RM300 per million rupiah just last year.
Cover image via Many Malaysians are taking the opportunity to travel to Indonesia due to the depreciating Indonesian rupiah
According to the New Straits Times, as the rupiah hits a record low, Indonesia has seen an increase in the number of Malaysian tourists visiting the country.
The favourable exchange rate has allowed more Malaysians to travel to the republic, while spending less on hotels, food, and transportation.
According to data released by the Indonesian Central Bureau of Statistics, the number of Malaysian tourists increased by 24.22% at the end of last year, reaching 2.27 million visitors in 2024.
Malaysians make up 18.3% of international tourists to the country, being the largest source of foreign tourists to Indonesia since 2022, surpassing other countries such as Australia, Singapore, China, Timor-Leste, and India.
The favourable ringgit-to-rupiah exchange rate is not the only factor contributing to the influx of Malaysian tourists to Indonesia
"Indonesia continues to be a preferred destination for Malaysians due to factors such as proximity, convenient flight access, comfortable accommodation, high-quality hospitality, and a wide variety of halal food options.
"This makes planned travel easier and safer for Muslim tourists from Malaysia," said Malaysia Tourism Agency Association president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun.
He added that the combination of modern infrastructure, convenient digital payment systems, and budget-friendly transportation also makes Indonesia an enjoyable travel destination.
A popular tourist destination, Mount Bromo, in East Java, Indonesia.
Image via Aizuddin Saad/New Straits Times
Meanwhile, according to a local travel agency director, Indonesia is the second most visited country by Malaysians after Thailand
Flywind Holidays director Razly Mohamed said although the depreciating rupiah is the main contributing factor, the availability of affordable and frequent direct flights, as well as competitive travel packages, are also attractive advantages.
"Indonesia accounts for 50% of our total bookings compared to other countries.
"Among the popular destinations for Malaysians are Batam, Bali, Jakarta, Bandung, Banda Aceh, Padang, Bukit Tinggi, Yogyakarta, and Medan," he added.
As of today, 22 April, 1 million Indonesian rupiah is worth roughly RM260, compared to RM300 per million rupiah just last year.
