Indonesia targets global exposure through BTS concert in Jakarta

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said the upcoming BTS concert in Jakarta presents a strategic opportunity to promote Indonesia to the K-pop group's global fan base, known as ARMY, which spans more than 100 countries.

She noted that the December 29 performance will be broadcast live in cinemas across more than 80 countries and territories, reaching approximately 2,800 screens worldwide.

"This is extraordinary. We can promote Jakarta as one of the world's leading concert destinations. This is not merely a concert, but a moment when the world's attention is focused on Jakarta," Widiyanti said at a press conference at Jakarta City Hall on Friday.

According to the minister, the event should be fully leveraged to showcase Jakarta as a world-class metropolis while introducing Indonesia's diverse tourist destinations to a global audience.

With Jakarta set to celebrate its 500th anniversary in 2027, she added, the concert offers timely momentum to strengthen the capital's image as a modern, creative, and globally competitive city.

"Moreover, December 30 is the birthday of BTS member Kim Taehyung, also known as V, which could further boost enthusiasm among the ARMY community," Widiyanti said.

She added that the Ministry of Tourism continues to strengthen the country's international events ecosystem through its flagship "Event by Indonesia" program.

As of September 2026, 160 events had been held under the initiative, generating an estimated economic turnover of Rp22.14 trillion (approximately US$1.21 billion), she said.

Widiyanti also highlighted the upcoming concert by American hard rock band Guns N' Roses, scheduled for November 21, 2026, at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium. The event is expected to attract 22,000 spectators, including approximately 2,000 international visitors.

The three-day BTS concert, scheduled for December 26, 27, and 29, 2026, at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, is projected to attract 180,000 spectators, including more than 30,700 foreign visitors. Tourist spending on accommodation, dining, transportation, and merchandise could reach Rp158.3 billion (US$8.68 million), according to the minister.

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Translator: Lifia Mawaddah, Uyu Liman
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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