New cross-border platform offers exclusive travel perks for Johor and Kepri residents
A strategic tourism initiative called JIWA (Jiran Istimewa) has been officially launched by Johor and the Riau Islands Province (Kepri), promising exclusive travel incentives for residents and strengthening ties between the neighboring regions.
Tourism Without Borders: JIWA Launched in Batam
On 17 May 2025, the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Johor Bahru, alongside the Government of Kepulauan Riau (Kepri), launched the Jiran Istimewa (JIWA) platform at Mega Mall Batam Center. The initiative is designed to promote tourism cooperation and strengthen regional unity between the border-sharing regions of Malaysia and Indonesia.
Through JIWA, residents of Johor and Kepri can enjoy various incentives simply by presenting a valid Johor ID card or Kepri-issued KTP. These perks, which include discounts and special offers, are provided by participating travel-related businesses in both regions.
Exclusive Perks for Border Residents
As of the launch date, over 30 vendors, including hotels and restaurants, have joined the program. Discounts range from 10% to 30%, exclusively for Kepri residents visiting Johor and vice versa. Members of the Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) in Johor are among the early adopters supporting the initiative.
“This is not a formal business organization but a mindset platform that views border residents as close neighbors who can collaborate and support each other,” stated KJRI Johor Bahru’s Consul General, Sigit S. Widiyanto.
Deepening Cultural and Economic Ties
Sigit emphasized the shared geographical, cultural, and social connections between Johor and Kepri as foundational elements of the partnership. “Over the past year, we’ve encouraged stakeholders from both sides to capitalize on these connections for mutual tourism growth,” he said.
He further encouraged citizens to make use of JIWA’s offerings, noting that its benefits will expand as more businesses join. The platform aims to generate sustained growth in cross-border travel and foster deeper people-to-people ties.
Governmental Support and Future Aspirations
Kepri Vice Governor Nyanyang Haris Pratamura officially opened the JIWA program, underscoring the initiative’s long-term importance. “This is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the Special Border Treatment program. With JIWA, we aim to welcome back 2.9 million tourists,” he remarked.
The initiative aligns with both regions’ post-pandemic recovery plans, offering new economic opportunities for tourism operators and a sense of shared identity for residents living along the maritime border.
A New Model for Regional Tourism
JIWA represents more than a promotional program—it’s a diplomatic and economic bridge between Indonesia and Malaysia. As travel becomes more localized and people seek unique cultural experiences nearby, JIWA’s model of hyperlocal tourism could serve as a blueprint for other border regions across Southeast Asia.
The platform also invites greater awareness and appreciation of shared heritage between the Malay Peninsula and the Riau Archipelago, enhancing peace, cooperation, and economic resilience.
The launch of JIWA is a meaningful step toward closer ties between Johor and Kepri, leveraging shared heritage and proximity for mutual benefit. As more vendors join and awareness spreads, this cross-border collaboration could redefine regional tourism dynamics and strengthen grassroots-level diplomacy in Southeast Asia.
Sources: Haluan Kepri (2025) , Tempo (2025)
Keywords: Johor, Kepri, JIWA, Cross Border Tourism, Indonesia Malaysia Partnership, Travel Discount
