Published on
September 15, 2025
The Jiran Istimewa (Jiwa) initiative, which offers special travel benefits to residents of Johor, Malaysia, visiting Batam, Indonesia, has been launched as a significant boost to tourism and regional cooperation. This initiative aims to improve Johor residents’ travel experiences by providing them with a range of discounts and exclusive deals in a number of industries. The initiative intends to support the expansion of cross-border tourism while fortifying the cultural and economic ties between the two adjacent regions.
Supported by the governments of Indonesia and Malaysia, the Jiwa programme is a groundbreaking initiative to promote travel between Johor and Batam. The collaboration is a component of a larger plan to use tourism as a driver of reciprocal development and strengthen ties between the two areas. The Jiwa programme encourages Johor residents to visit Batam more regularly and partake in a variety of travel and recreational activities by offering these benefits.
What Is the Jiwa Programme?
At its core, the Jiwa programme is a cross-border tourism initiative offering a suite of special benefits to Johor residents travelling to Batam. Participating travellers are entitled to discounts across 11 different categories, which include hotels, restaurants, wellness services, medical clinics, car rentals, ferry tickets, and more. The goal is to make Batam a more attractive destination for Johor residents, encouraging them to visit frequently and experience what the island has to offer at discounted rates.
To gain access to these offers, Johor residents are required to present identification documents with a Johor address upon arrival in Batam. The program’s scope is quite extensive, covering a variety of tourism-related sectors, allowing travellers to experience Batam not only as tourists but also as local residents benefiting from various travel-related incentives.
Participating Sectors and Businesses
A major highlight of the Jiwa programme is the broad range of participating businesses across Batam. Over 130 tourism industry players from both Johor and Batam have signed up to support the initiative. This includes participation from over 24 tourism operators in Batam, spanning various industries such as hospitality, dining, wellness, and retail. For example, travellers can enjoy discounted stays at hotels, exclusive dining deals at some of Batam’s best restaurants, and discounted services at local wellness centres.
Beyond the traditional travel perks, the programme also extends to essential services such as car rentals and medical clinics, ensuring that residents can enjoy comprehensive benefits throughout their stay. For those travelling by ferry, discounts on ferry services further enhance the convenience and affordability of cross-border travel between Johor and Batam.
In Johor, the programme has also garnered support from 30 hotels, particularly those affiliated with the Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association (MyBHA). These hotels provide discounted rates for Batam residents, creating a two-way flow of tourism between the two regions.
How to Access Jiwa Benefits
To enjoy the exclusive Jiwa perks, Johor residents must first register on the official Jiwa website. Once registered, travellers will gain access to a comprehensive list of participating businesses and the specific discounts available to them. This list allows travellers to plan their trips more effectively and take full advantage of the programme’s offers.
When travelling to Batam, residents need to carry identification documents that prove their Johor address. These documents are essential to validate their eligibility for the Jiwa benefits and ensure that they can access the discounts available to them during their stay.
The Jiwa platform also enables users to check in advance for new deals and offers, ensuring that travellers are well-informed about the latest discounts before embarking on their journey. This user-friendly system makes it easier for Johor residents to navigate the array of offers and select the ones that best suit their travel plans.
The Economic and Cultural Impact of Jiwa
The Jiwa programme is not only a tourism initiative but also a tool for regional economic development. By encouraging Johor residents to travel to Batam more frequently, the programme helps stimulate local economies in both regions. Batam, known for its thriving tourism industry, stands to benefit from an increase in foot traffic, particularly from its neighbouring Johor state. At the same time, businesses in Johor can tap into the growing tourism demand from Batam residents who take advantage of discounted accommodations and services.
Culturally, the Jiwa programme promotes greater interaction and understanding between the people of Johor and Batam. As the regions share many similarities, including language, cuisine, and traditions, this initiative fosters a sense of solidarity and mutual appreciation. It also serves as a reminder of the deep cultural and historical ties between Malaysia and Indonesia, helping to nurture a stronger bilateral relationship.
Future Prospects: Expanding the Program
The Jiwa programme has already garnered positive feedback from both Johor residents and Batam tourism operators. In response to this early success, plans are underway to expand the programme’s reach. The goal is to include even more tourism operators from both regions, expanding the range of discounts and benefits for travellers. Additionally, there are discussions about extending the programme to other regions, further enhancing tourism and economic ties across Southeast Asia.
The continued growth of the Jiwa initiative will likely inspire similar programmes in other cross-border regions, contributing to the overall enhancement of Southeast Asia’s tourism landscape. By working together, both Malaysia and Indonesia aim to create a seamless and attractive travel experience for residents across the region, further promoting the idea of regional unity and collaboration.
A Step Toward Regional Unity
One encouraging step in boosting cross-border travel between Johor and Batam is the Jiwa programme. In addition to helping local companies, the programme improves residents’ travel experiences by providing special benefits and discounts. The programme also emphasises the value of regional cooperation and partnerships, reaffirming the notion that tourism can be a vital factor in promoting cross-cultural dialogue and understanding. The programme is positioned to play a significant role in Southeast Asia’s tourism industry as it develops and grows.
[Image Source: Batam Official Website]
