INDONESIA PROMOTES GOLF TOURISM AS SINGAPORE OPENS 18-HOLE PUBLIC COURSE – Golf News

Indonesia's tourism minister has identified the Riau Islands as a top golfing destination, particularly noting that golfers from Singapore can easily reach the islands by boat. As Singapore considers the best use of its limited land by closing golf courses, Indonesia aims to attract these golfers and fill the void in the region.

The Riau Islands has great potential with ten existing golf resorts and more on the way, according to Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno at a briefing on July 1. “We encourage the development of golf tourism because, in Singapore, more is growing. it is expensive and unaffordable,” said Mr. Sandiaga. Golf enthusiasts who consider golf opportunities will find the Riau Islands very inviting. Singapore's dwindling golf courses now have only one public course, a 9-hole course. As of June 30, the state closed its last 18-hole public course, with analysts predicting more closures.

During the Batam Golf Challenge 2024, a two-day tournament that started on June 29, Mr. Sandiaga expressed hope in positioning the Riau Islands as a top golf tourism destination.

There are currently three golf courses in Bintan Regency, with one under development. In Batam, there are seven golf courses, and there are plans for more. “This is the best golf tourism destination in Indonesia,” he confirmed, noting Singapore's proximity.

The tourism minister also highlighted progress in other regions, such as Jakarta and West Java, which already have a number of golf courses. Referring to the plans announced in March 2022, Mr. Sandiaga confirmed the development of 25 new golf courses in five “high priority” areas by 2025.

Bernardino Moningka Vega, the head of international relations at the Indonesia Golf Association (PGI), has seen an increase in the popularity of the sport. The participation rate among Indonesians has increased by 20% since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Mr. Bernardino noted that restrictions on other outdoor activities raise golf's status as one of the few recreational options available. Golf shopping data shows that the number of golfers in Indonesia has increased to about 170,000, up from 50,000 before the pandemic.

However, despite the growing number of golfers, golf tourism in Indonesia remains remarkably low compared to other Southeast Asian countries. According to a CNBC Indonesia report, citing a 2022 industry report, Indonesia has 170 golf courses, trailing behind neighboring countries such as Malaysia (244), Thailand (319), and India (296).

Annually, Indonesia receives about 250,000 golf visitors, far less than Thailand's 6 million, Vietnam's 1.5 million, and Malaysia's 500,000, as reported by the President Commissioner of Intra GolfLink Resorts (IGR), Darma Mangkuluhur Hutomo.

Land shortages in many Asian cities are limiting the development of new golf courses, driving up prices. Mr. Bernardino sees this as a “great opportunity” for Indonesia to promote its affordable golf courses.

He suggested working with his Southeast Asian counterparts to boost regional golf tourism and facilitate cross-country golf tourism. He explained that he proposed a partnership with airlines such as AirAsia or Singapore Airlines to combine flight schedules with golf trips.

Following these strategies, Indonesia hopes to attract more international golfers, using its advantageous mix of accessibility, quality courses, and exceptional hospitality.