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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Indonesia /Culture & Society

To Support Event Tourism, Check Out Traveloka's 8.8 Merdeka Sale Discounts

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Traveloka's research shows a growing trend in "event tourism," with people traveling for music shows, sports events, and cultural festivals.
  • This trend generated Rp858 billion in economic impact in the first half of 2026, supported by government initiatives.
  • Traveloka is offering an "8.8 Merdeka Sale" with discounts on flights, hotels, and transportation to capitalize on this enthusiasm.

The phenomenon of "fear of missing out" (FOMO) is driving a significant surge in event tourism, with both domestic and international travelers increasingly journeying for unique experiences at music shows, global sports events, and cultural festivals. Traveloka's research indicates a growing preference for exploratory and memorable trips over local gatherings.

Government commitment through initiatives like Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) and support for national and international events are yielding substantial economic returns. The Ministry of Tourism reported that event tourism generated a remarkable Rp858 billion in economic activity during the first semester of 2026.

Traveloka's internal data reveals a notable increase in participation across various event types. The MotoGP Mandalika race, for instance, boosted domestic travel by 49 percent and attracted significant numbers of tourists from Singapore and Thailand. Similarly, the GIIAS automotive show saw a 162 percent rise in visitors from Singapore. Music concerts in Jakarta featuring international artists experienced phenomenal success, with a 336 percent surge in tourists from Vietnam. Year-end concerts between December 26-27 achieved an unprecedented 129 percent travel occupancy, surpassing Christmas Day figures and solidifying concert-going as a holiday staple.

In celebration of Indonesia's Independence Day, Traveloka is launching its "8.8 Merdeka Sale" from August 3 to 23, 2026. This promotion aims to facilitate travelers' access to popular destinations across Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Offers include cashback on flight tickets up to Rp1.7 million, discounts on hotels and experiences up to 45 percent, and direct discounts on bus and train tickets up to Rp88,000, along with bank coupons and TPayLater installment options.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.