Indonesia has emerged as one of Penang’s top ten tourism contributors since the end of the pandemic, with medical tourism playing a significant role in driving arrivals.

State Executive Councillor for Tourism Wong Hon Wai revealed that in the first half of 2025, Penang welcomed 192,823 Indonesian visitors via direct flights — a 2% rise from 188,905 during the same period last year. The number could be even higher when including travellers transiting through Kuala Lumpur International Airport before heading to Penang.

According to Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) data, Indonesians contribute 65.8% of Malaysia’s total medical tourism revenue, with over 90% of the northern region’s earnings coming from this market.

Wong shared the figures at the Nusantara Festival, organised by the Penang–Indonesian Society Association at Bukit Jambul Complex, attended by the Indonesian Consul-General alongside association chairman Wanton Saragih and Eddy Virgo.

He expressed hopes to expand the festival’s reach to strengthen bilateral ties and promote dual tourism, particularly with Medan and Sumatra. Penang currently has direct air links with Banda Aceh, Medan, Jakarta, and Surabaya, supported by 56 weekly flights.