Tourism in West Kalimantan Sees Mixed Signals: A Closer Look at October’s Numbers

October 2024 brought a nuanced picture of tourism activity to West Kalimantan. Illustration: the author.

By Masri Sareb Putra | Feature Contributor

🌍 PONTIANAK | BORNEOTRAVEL : October 2024 brought a nuanced picture of tourism activity to West Kalimantan, a province on the western edge of Indonesian Borneo. Nestled near international borders and rich in cultural and ecological treasures, the region has long attracted both foreign visitors and domestic travelers. But last month’s numbers tell a story of both promise and caution.

According to the latest figures, 6,559 international tourists entered West Kalimantan in October—through land border crossings such as Entikong, Aruk, Nanga Badau, and Jagoi Babang, as well as via Supadio International Airport in Pontianak. While this marks a notable 40.48 percent increase compared to the same month last year, the month-to-month comparison shows a sharp 29.89 percent decline from September’s total of 9,355 foreign arrivals.

This seasonal dip in foreign entries may reflect shifting travel patterns or regional dynamics—yet the year-over-year growth offers a sign that West Kalimantan is becoming increasingly visible on the international map.

Domestic tourism, meanwhile, remains robust—though not without its own fluctuations. A total of 652,961 domestic trips were recorded across the province in October. That’s down 7.5 percent from September’s 705,904 journeys. Still, when stacked against October 2023, the numbers reveal a staggering 109.12 percent increase, signaling renewed enthusiasm among Indonesian travelers to explore their own archipelago.

Hotel occupancy rates tell a similar tale of contrasts. Star-rated hotels saw a slight dip in room occupancy, slipping to 53.31 percent in October—down 0.80 points from the previous month’s 54.11 percent. Yet compared to October last year, this figure reflects a modest gain of 1.28 points. Non-star hotels, catering more to budget travelers and locals, posted a 28.29 percent occupancy rate. That’s 0.38 points lower than September, but up 0.46 points year-over-year.

Taken together, these trends highlight a tourism sector that is steadily rebuilding after years of global disruption. While short-term fluctuations remain, particularly in international arrivals and hotel bookings, the broader trajectory suggests growing interest in West Kalimantan’s unique blend of nature, culture, and borderland charm.

As global travelers and local tourists alike continue to rediscover the wonders of Borneo, West Kalimantan may well be on the cusp of a new tourism renaissance—provided the province can capitalize on its potential while maintaining sustainability and cultural authenticity. *)