VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Central Bureau of Statistics recorded in Ramadan 2018, especially in May there was a decrease in the number of foreign tourist’s visit to Indonesia. In April 2018 there was 1.32 million foreign tourists visited Indonesia, meanwhile, in May 2018 the number was only 1.28 million foreign tourists or decreased 7.65 percent. According to Head of Central Bureau of Statistics, Kecuk Suhariyanto, the decrease is normal in Ramadan.

“The number of foreign tourists in May 2018 was 1.2 million. So, there was a decrease. So, we do not compare it from May 2018 to May 2017 of the fasting month. But in 2016 there was also a decreasing number of foreign tourists in the fasting month. In 2016, the fasting month was in June 2016. The number of foreign tourist was 1.2 million. The decrease in the fasting month is normal. Because in Ramadan, foreign tourists from some countries such as Malaysia, the Middle East, and Muslim countries usually do not travel a lot,” said Kecuk Suharyanto.

Suhariyanto added that if it is compared in May last year, there was 4.55 percent increase in May this year. Cumulatively, from January until May this year, the number of foreign tourist visit to Indonesia reached 6.17 million. The number increased 11.89 percent compared to the number in the same period earlier. In July-December 2018, Suhariyanto is optimistic the number of foreign tourist visit will increase significantly. Moreover, in October 2018, Bali will be the host of the International IMF and World Bank Annual Meeting. (VOI/REZHA/Trans-yati/AHM)