Indonesia aims to strengthen global connectivity as local airports in Semarang, Palembang, and Manado reopen and expand international flight routes.
The Indonesian Minister of Transport, Dudy Purwagandhi, recently remarked that the reopening of international flight routes may bolster Indonesia’s competitiveness on the global stage.
“The reopening of these international routes is expected not only to provide greater mobility for foreign tourists and business travellers but also to stimulate regional economic growth as well as reinforce Indonesia’s position within the global connectivity network,” Purwagandhi said in a statement on Sunday, the 7th of September.
Purwagandhi’s remark followed the recent change in status of Ahmad Yani Airport in Semarang, which has officially begun serving international flights as of last Thursday (the 4th of September). This initiative, furthermore, follows the designation of 36 international airports, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to expand connectivity, increase international tourist arrivals, and strengthen regional economies.
“The reopening of these international routes is part of the government’s wider strategy to enhance access to air transport beyond the major cities,” continued the minister.
Meanwhile, Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport in Palembang had already resumed international flights on the Kuala Lumpur–Palembang route back in July, operated by AirAsia. To boot, Batik Air Malaysia will commence services on the same route this Saturday (the 13th of September). Singapore-based low-cost airline Scoot has scheduled the Singapore–Palembang route for January next year.
Purwagandhi emphasised that both Palembang and Semarang, in particular, play a strategic role as both gateways for tourism and regional economic hubs.
“We hope this momentum will encourage service improvements, strengthen collaboration with airlines, and optimise the promotion of tourist destinations as well as the unique potential of each region,” the minister concluded.
Additionally, the government of Manado City is also planning to open direct international routes from Shenzhen, Taipei, and Mongolia. This strategic move is projected to strengthen North Sulawesi’s position as a leading destination in eastern Indonesia as well. The inaugural flight from Shenzhen to Manado is scheduled for the 3rd of October. The Mongolia–Manado service, transiting through Guangzhou, will follow in November, with a direct Taipei–Manado route expected to begin in February next year.