Something is shifting in Jakarta. It is no longer just a place people pass through for business. More visitors are starting to stay, explore, and come for the experience itself. This change feels even clearer as international concerts begin to fill the city’s calendar. Governor Pramono Anung openly welcomed the wave of global artists coming to the capital. He sees it as a strong signal that Jakarta is stepping into a bigger role on the global tourism stage.
He shared this during a Halal Bihalal gathering with the ITB Parents Association in South Jakarta on Sunday, April 19, 2026. In his view, Jakarta is now becoming a regular stop for world-class performers. Names like Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and The Weeknd have already been lined up. Then comes another name that quickly grabbed attention. BTS.
There was even a bit of humor behind the venue discussion. Pramono admitted he had to step back after the idea of holding a BTS concert at Jakarta International Stadium drew criticism from fans. In the end, he gave his approval for the concert to be held at Gelora Bung Karno.
Beyond the excitement, the impact is starting to show in real numbers and behavior. Tourism patterns in Jakarta are changing into more global tourism. And not in a small way.
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Visitors are staying longer now. What used to be a quick one to one-and-a-half-day visit has stretched to nearly three days. That shift says a lot. People are no longer treating Jakarta as just a stopover.
Pramono sees this as part of a bigger transformation. The city is moving away from its old image as a business transit hub. It is becoming a destination in its own right.
“Why is this happening? Because they feel that Jakarta is not just a business city, but also a tourism city. In fact, the main attraction now is shopping tourism,” he said.
That last point feels telling. Shopping is not new in Jakarta. But now it is becoming one of the main reasons people come, stay longer, and spend more time in the city.
