Batu, en.SERU.co.id — The recent weakening of the Indonesian rupiah against the US dollar and other major currencies shouldn’t be viewed solely as bad news. In the tourism sector, the depreciating local currency actually presents a significant opportunity to sharpen Indonesia’s competitive edge on the global stage.
According to tourism expert Dr. A. Faidlal Rahman, SE.Par., M.Sc., CHE., a tourismologist at Universitas Brawijaya, the rupiah’s slide automatically enhances price competitiveness, delivering clear advantages for international visitors.
“When the rupiah weakens, the cost of travel, accommodation, dining, and tourism activities in Indonesia becomes considerably more affordable for foreign tourists. This creates a natural stimulus that sets Indonesia apart from its Southeast Asian competitors,” said Dr. Faidlal, affectionately known as Pak Faid.
However, he cautioned that a surge in visitor numbers won’t happen automatically. Modern international travelers have evolved; they’re no longer drawn purely by low prices. Quality of experience remains their top priority.
“The depreciating rupiah acts mainly as an initial ‘magnet’ to attract attention. But the long-term appeal and staying power of a destination ultimately depend on how well tourism is managed,” he explained.
Dr. Faidlal emphasized that non-price factors — such as safety standards, cleanliness and hygiene (CHSE), accessibility, strong digital connectivity, and genuine commitment to environmental and cultural sustainability — are what determine whether tourists will stay longer and spend more.
“This momentum should be channeled toward attracting quality tourism, not just chasing mass volumes,” he added.
On the flip side, the weakening currency also brings internal challenges. Imported inflation could drive up operational costs for hotels, airlines, and premium restaurants that still rely heavily on foreign-sourced materials, technology, and hospitality equipment.
Read Also:
Weak Rupiah Boosts Domestic Tourism in East Java
If not handled carefully, these rising costs could squeeze profit margins and potentially erode service quality. To counter this, Dr. Faidlal urged both the government and industry players to undertake a bold overhaul of supply chains by prioritizing local products.
“The tourism industry must be courageous enough to make substitutions. We should use this moment to push for greater use of domestic products — from premium local farm produce to homegrown handicrafts,” he said.
He sees this as a golden opportunity to strengthen tourism-related MSMEs and ensure economic benefits circulate more deeply within local communities, minimizing tourism leakage.
In an era of global economic uncertainty, Indonesia’s tourism sector is expected to serve as a resilient economic buffer. Through smart and aggressive international promotion, tourism can generate foreign exchange efficiently without relying on extractive exploitation of natural resources.
“Our main challenge today is not merely bringing in as many tourists as possible but managing this rupiah depreciation intelligently and strategically. If handled well, we won’t only maintain foreign exchange stability — we’ll also build a more self-reliant, sustainable tourism ecosystem that truly delivers tangible benefits to local communities,” Dr. Faidlal concluded. (dik/mzm)
