Going to Singapore in 2025? The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) continues to make it more convenient for travellers from Indonesia to visit the dynamic hub. Together with Garuda Indonesia and Changi Airport Group (CAG), travel - be it for leisure or business purposes - increases two-way visitor arrivals between Singapore and Indonesia.
According to the STB Executive Director in Southeast Asia, Terrence Voon, Indonesia performed well as a tourism source market in 2024 and is poised to continue growing in 2025. STB reported that Indonesia was Singapore's second-largest source market globally and the largest in Southeast Asia for 2024, contributing 2.49 million visitors or an 8 percent increase from 2023.
Building on the strong performance in 2024, STB announced a one-year tripartite Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between the Singapore Tourism Board, Garuda Indonesia and Changi Airport Group. The agreement, signed by Terrence Voon from STB; Naufal Aflah, Corporate & Channel Group Head of Garuda Indonesia; and Peh KeWei, Vice President of Market Development, Changi Airport Group focuses on enhancing travel connectivity and promoting two-way tourism between Singapore and Indonesia. Key initiatives include targeted campaigns, joint marketing efforts, and new travel offerings such as Fly-Cruise packages to Singapore.
Throughout 2024, STB enhanced Singapore’s visibility in the Indonesian market through the "Made in Singapore" campaign and strategic partnerships with key industry players such as Traveloka, Pakuwon Group, CapitaLand, GDP Venture, APKRINDO, and ASTINDO. These efforts, roadshows in major Indonesian cities, strengthened Singapore's position as a top destination for Indonesian travellers across various sectors, including MICE and cruise. Recognising the importance of the growing Muslim market, STB collaborated with modest fashion brands and communities to promote Singapore as a halal-friendly destination. Additionally, engagements with influential figures such as culinary icon Bu Rudy from Surabaya helped strengthen awareness of Singapore’s leisure offerings in cities beyond Jakarta.
"This inaugural tripartite partnership reflects the importance of tourism and air connectivity between our two countries and our commitment to work together for mutual benefit. By combining our strengths, we hope more Indonesian travellers can enjoy Singapore's diverse offerings and create meaningful experiences with their loved ones,” said Voon.
Garuda Indonesia operates 41 weekly flights on the Jakarta-Singapore route, including two daily flights that were added in December 2024. The airline also serves Singapore from other Indonesian cities, with seven weekly flights from Bali and seven weekly flights from Surabaya. In total, Garuda Indonesia provides 55 weekly flights to Singapore from various points in Indonesia. This partnership therefore extends the airlines' efforts in delivering excellent passenger services, with seamless travel options and experiences that celebrate the unique offerings.
Ade R. Susardi, Commercial Director of Garuda Indonesia, added, “We may also attract potential international tourists to explore Indonesia’s wide array of exotic destinations, which connected from Changi Airport, one of the global hubs, to major cities in Indonesia through our extensive networks from Singapore and domestic routes. Indonesia and Singapore share a longstanding relationship, strengthened by mutual tourism exchanges. Through this collaboration, we hope to provide travellers of both destinations.”
Vice President of Market Development at Changi Airport Group, Peh Ke-Wei, concurred. “In 2024, Indonesia remains one of our top passenger markets, registering more than 7.3 million passenger movements between Singapore and Indonesia. We are pleased to partner with STB and Garuda Indonesia to boost travel and enhance connectivity between Singapore and Indonesia, as well as showcase Indonesia's rich culture and heritage to Singapore residents,” he explained.
Just last month, STB inked its first strategic partnership with Gojek to enhance the Singapore travel experience for its users. In 2025, STB will continue to strengthen Singapore’s position as a convenient and vibrant destination that allows Indonesians to make the most out of every holiday moment with their loved ones. This includes engaging new segments such as sports communities and further expanding STB’s work in cities beyond Jakarta. This expansion will be supported by improved air connectivity to Singapore including new routes from Padang (West Sumatra) and Kertajati (West Java). 2025 promises a range of new attractions and experiences in Singapore – for both first-time and experienced travellers to the city.
Visitors can look forward to Illumination's Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore (opening on 14th February 2025), the immersive Singapore Oceanarium (opening in 2025), and the highly anticipated Disney Cruise Line's Disney Adventure (start sailing on 15th December 2025). These will be complemented by a robust line-up of leisure and MICE events throughout the year. As we introduce these developments, we remain committed to further strengthening Singapore's position as a halal-friendly destination, ensuring a welcoming experience for all our Indonesian visitors.