The Travel Byte Summit Indonesia #TBSI, held concurrently with the Hotel Revenue Summit Indonesia #HRSI on Day 2 of the 9th Hospitality Indonesia Conference #HIC2026, brought together industry leaders, urban planners, technology experts, and policymakers to explore the future of tourism and aviation in Indonesia.
From aviation cybersecurity to urban tourism and sustainable travel, the summit highlighted how data, technology, and thoughtful planning are shaping visitor experiences across the archipelago.
Securing the Skies: Cybersecurity in Aviation
Indonesia’s aviation sector is growing rapidly, but with digital adoption comes increased vulnerability. Saladin Siregar, Key Account Manager at Chapman Freeborn, highlighted the unique challenges the country faces.
“Indonesia is a really big country—one of the largest populations in the world. Protecting passenger data is critical, especially as people increasingly share personal information online. Even something as simple as posting a boarding pass can put travelers at risk if it falls into the wrong hands.”
Siregar also stressed the urgency of understanding emerging technologies before deployment. Disruptions at airports overseas illustrate the consequences of insufficient preparation.
“AI, quantum computing, and other new technologies are coming fast, but many of us don’t fully understand them yet. Indonesia has a Data Protection Act, but not everyone understands its implications. Addressing this knowledge gap is essential for aviation cybersecurity.”
Panelists emphasized that ensuring secure, resilient aviation systems is as much about human awareness and education as it is about technology.
Cities That Work: Urban Tourism for People and Places
Urban tourism was another focus, exploring how cities like Jakarta can grow as travel destinations without compromising residents’ quality of life. Arbi Wienandar, Head of Strategic Partnerships (Indonesia) at AirAsia MOVE, described how technology is helping to streamline travel for modern tourists.
"AirAsia Move has evolved from a simple app to a super app, giving travelers a seamless experience from flights to hotels to attractions. This not only enhances convenience but also supports urban tourism growth."
Data shows that most visitors to Jakarta are millennials taking short weekend trips from nearby countries like Malaysia, frequently visiting central hubs such as Grand Indonesia.
Wiendu Nuryanti, Professor in Architecture and Tourism Planning at Gadjah Mada University, added that urban tourism requires a delicate balance between growth, culture, and sustainability.
"Balancing tourism growth with residents’ quality of life is challenging. Local and central governments play a critical role in managing environmental, socio-cultural, and economic impacts while preserving historical and community values."
Professor Wiendu emphasized that education and community engagement are vital to sustaining urban tourism, while AI and data analytics can optimize visitor flows and reduce congestion.
Beyond the Experience: Education, Wellness, and Sustainable Tourism
Other panels highlighted Indonesia’s broader tourism potential. Discussions included fostering responsible travel through education, exploring cultural and culinary tourism, and tapping into the global wellness economy with sustainable, authentic experiences. Experts also examined opportunities in cruise and yacht tourism, focusing on infrastructure, sustainability, and archipelago-wide connectivity.
The summit underscored a common theme: modern tourism in Indonesia isn’t just about destinations—it’s about systems. Whether securing aviation networks, managing urban flows, or designing sustainable travel experiences, the integration of technology, data, and thoughtful planning is essential for the industry’s future.
#TBSI proved that with smart strategies, collaboration, and innovation, Indonesia’s tourism and aviation sectors can grow sustainably, delighting travelers while preserving culture, community, and the environment.