Jalan-jalan is Indonesian/Malay phrase meaning “going around,” “taking a walk,” or “traveling”—formed through reduplication of “jalan” (walk/road). The expression captures leisurely exploration without specific destination, representing Southeast Asian cultural values of enjoying journey over destination, social connection through shared experiences, and flexible time orientation. The term encompasses everything from evening neighborhood strolls to international backpacking trips.
Indonesian Travel Culture
Indonesia’s emerging middle class 2010-2020 embraced domestic and international travel, with jalan-jalan becoming aspirational lifestyle marker. Social media documentation of travel experiences became status symbol, demonstrating upward mobility and modern lifestyle. Instagram feeds filled with jalan-jalan content: Bali temples, Raja Ampat diving, Yogyakarta street food, international destinations (Japan, Korea, Europe particularly popular among Indonesian millennials).
Social Media Trends
#JalanJalan connected Indonesian travelers sharing tips, photography, and itineraries. The hashtag served multiple functions: documenting personal travels, researching destinations through others’ experiences, and displaying travel capital. Budget travel content (“jalan-jalan hemat”) was particularly popular, providing strategies for affordable tourism. Food-focused travel content often combined jalan-jalan with culinary exploration (wisata kuliner).
COVID-19 Impact
Pandemic lockdowns 2020-2021 devastated Indonesia’s tourism industry and jalan-jalan culture. Hashtag pivoted to “jalan-jalan di rumah” (traveling at home)—nostalgic throwback photos, virtual tours, and planning future trips. The shift demonstrated jalan-jalan’s importance to Indonesian middle-class identity beyond physical travel, representing aspiration, freedom, and participation in global consumer culture. Post-pandemic recovery saw explosive return of jalan-jalan content as restrictions lifted.
Sources: Tourism Management journal (2017), Journal of Southeast Asian Studies (2018), Annals of Tourism Research (2021)