INDVESTIME

Labuan Bajo is seriously making waves in the international tourism scene, with 45 foreign cruise ships and luxury yachts dropping anchor in its waters from January to June 2025. According to Charles Christian Mathaus, head of the Class II TPI Immigration Office in Labuan Bajo, this influx isn’t just random – it’s a clear sign that the region has officially entered the big leagues of global maritime tourism. The numbers tell an interesting story too, with April and May showing the biggest spike, peaking at 15 vessels in May alone, which basically means Labuan Bajo was the place to be during peak vacation season.
What’s really fascinating is how this surge perfectly aligns with international holiday patterns and the growing trend of premium ocean tourism. “This data confirms that Labuan Bajo has become a favorite route for international cruise ships and luxury yachts,” Mathaus noted, and honestly, it makes total sense when you think about it. The immigration team has been working overtime, conducting thorough on-board inspections for every single vessel that rolls up – checking everything such as travel documents, etc. It’s like airport security, but way cooler because it’s happening on actual luxury yachts floating in Indonesia’s tropical paradise.
Then, the most outstanding thing is about 23,622 tourists who’ve experienced Labuan Bajo through these maritime adventures in just six months. That’s a small city’s worth of international visitors! Mathaus really said with confidence, “Tourism is built on trust. Our mission is to nurture that trust by providing security and service certainty. When tourists feel safe, they return.” It’s basically the golden rule of tourism to make people feel welcome and secure, and they’ll not only come back but tell their friends about it. This whole development shows how Labuan Bajo isn’t just riding the tourism wave; it’s actively shaping itself into Indonesia’s answer to the world’s most beautiful maritime destinations

Panoramic Train or “Panorami” is present as the latest innovation in the world of rail transportation in Indonesia. Designed specifically for passengers who want to enjoy the beauty of nature during the journey, this train offers large glass windows that stretch from side to side, even to the roof. With this design, passengers are presented with a 180-degree view that spoils the eye—starting from green rice fields, majestic mountains, to the wide blue sky.

Not only superior in terms of appearance, Panoramic trains are also equipped with modern facilities such as reclining seats, entertainment in the cabin, and a comfortable air conditioning system. All of these elements are designed to create a travel experience that is not only fast, but also fun and memorable.

Panoramic trains are generally operated for favorite tourist routes, such as Jakarta–Bandung or Yogyakarta–Surabaya, with efficient travel time without sacrificing the comfort and beauty of the trip.

Feeling glued to your phone? You’re not alone. But don’t worry—there are simple, practical ways to reduce screen dependency and live more mindfully.

1. Don’t Use Your Phone While Walking or Driving
It’s dangerous and distracting. If a notification feels urgent, pull over and stop safely before checking it.

2. Set Time Limits for Phone Use
Try limiting non-work screen time to 3 hours a day. After work, choose activities that don’t involve screens—like chatting, cooking, or gardening.

3. Be Fully Present with Others
Avoid checking your phone during social interactions. Direct communication strengthens real-life connections.

4. Create Gadget-Free Zones at Home
Designate areas like the bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom as no-phone zones. Stick to the rule to break the habit.

5. Replace Screen Time with Healthy Activities
Read a book, exercise, journal, or take a mindful walk. Use free time for real-life experiences.

6. Avoid Screens Before Bedtime
Blue light disrupts sleep. Power down your phone at least 30 minutes before going to sleep.

The Batam 10K sport tourism event is scheduled for July 13, 2025, targeting thousands of runners from both domestic and international origins. Registration has been open since June 3, 2025, with a fee of Rp200,000 per participant. The package includes a jersey, medal, snack, bag, and health check. The race is open to the public, including students and master runners.

Head of Batam’s Tourism Office, Ardiwinata, stated that Batam 10K is part of the city’s effort to reach its 2025 goal of 1.7 million international tourist visits. As of mid-year, only around 400,000 foreign tourists have visited.

In addition to Batam 10K, the Sea Eagle Boat Race will take place in August 2025 at Elang Laut waters, Pulau Penawar Rindu. Batam hosts hundreds of events annually, spanning culture, sports, and festivals to boost tourism.

The animated film Jumbo produced by Visinema Studios has been a huge success since its release on March 31, 2025. It tells the story of Don, a big-bodied orphan who pursues his dream of creating a fairy tale show. Jumbo has managed to touch the hearts of millions of viewers.

In just two months, the film has been watched by more than 10 million people, making it the highest-grossing Indonesian animated film of all time, surpassing Frozen 2 in the local market. Besides its success at home, Jumbo has also been distributed to 17 countries, marking a significant step for Indonesian animation onto the global stage.

Worked on by hundreds of local animators for nearly five years, Jumbo proves that works by the nation’s youth have international quality and competitiveness.