Indonesia aims to become a leading golf destination in the region as Singapore has closed courses, creating a void that neighbouring countries can fill.
The city-state’s land shortage has led to the closure of many public golf courses, including the Marina Bay Golf Course, its last remaining 18-hole public course, last weekend, prompting fans of the sport to seek golf holidays abroad.
“As Singapore has become more expensive and less affordable, we could provide [a golf tourism destination replacement] “We are in the Riau Islands, which have geographical proximity,” Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno said on Monday.
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Indonesia could position the Riau Islands, the third largest tourist entry point after Bali and Jakarta, as the center of the country’s golf tourism.
Located less than an hour by ferry from Singapore, the province is home to seven private golf courses and three public golf courses on the islands of Batam and Bintan, respectively.
Furthermore, demand for golf has increased in Indonesia, with the minister highlighting increased interest from international tourists and domestic players flocking to courses in Jakarta and Bali.
