Indonesia Expands Global Connectivity with Forty New International Airports

Published on August 18, 2025

Indonesia just became way more traveler- and business-friendly by doubling its international airports. On August 12, 2025, the government handed 40 airports an international badge, giving the country a big boost in aviation muscle. This new move flips earlier policy, because in 2024 the last government had cut the number of international airports to trim costs.

Now, with President Prabowo Subianto in charge, the plan is to make the whole archipelago easier to reach and better linked to the rest of the world. The new international airports include ones in East Java, a province packed with people and in hot spots like Weda Bay and Morowali Industrial Park. These areas are fast becoming key players in Indonesia’s booming nickel mining and processing boom, so better airport access is a game-changer for business.

Increasing Connectivity to Stimulate Regional Tourism

The move to grant international status to these airports is part of a larger effort to drive tourism growth and business development across Indonesia’s diverse regions. The government aims to facilitate greater international flight access, boosting tourism in areas outside of major hubs like Jakarta and Bali. By improving air connectivity, Indonesia hopes to provide tourists with easier access to its lesser-known but equally stunning destinations, fostering economic growth in both tourism and regional industries.

The addition of international status to airports in East Java and other strategic locations is particularly important for attracting business travelers and facilitating trade in key sectors. This move is expected to stimulate tourism, bringing more visitors to lesser-explored areas, and helping to evenly distribute the economic benefits of tourism across the country.

Infrastructure Upgrades and Safety Standards

For these newly designated international airports to handle overseas flights, they must meet international safety and security standards. This includes upgrading their facilities to accommodate immigration, customs, and quarantine services. The Indonesian Director-General of Civil Aviation, Lukman F Laisa, emphasized that these airports would have to comply with the stringent requirements of international flight operations.

As part of the development, the government will oversee the installation of advanced passenger processing technologies and enhanced facilities to ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience for both tourists and business travelers. These upgrades will make Indonesia’s airports more competitive, ensuring that travelers enjoy a high standard of safety, comfort, and convenience when arriving or departing from the country.

A Strategic Move to Attract Global Tourists

The expansion of international airports aligns with the Indonesian government’s goal of making the country a more attractive destination for international travelers. Although Indonesia boasts some of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities, the number of international visitors has lagged behind other regional competitors, such as Thailand and Vietnam.

By opening up more airports to international flights, Indonesia is positioning itself as a more accessible and convenient destination. Travelers from all over the world can now easily access key tourist hotspots in regions like Bali, Sumatra, Java, and beyond, improving Indonesia’s standing in the competitive global tourism market. The government’s decision to invest in airport infrastructure is a crucial step in making Indonesia a premier travel destination.

The Road Ahead: Meeting Global Travel Demands

Indonesia has just doubled its international airport network to attract more visitors and support regional business growth. On August 12, 2025, the government upgraded 40 airports to international status, giving the country more flight capacity than ever. This move reverses last year’s decision to cut international points, which had worried about rising operating costs.

President Prabowo Subianto’s administration is now zeroing in on making the archipelago more accessible while boosting global links. The new international gateways span East Java, one of the country’s most crowded provinces, and reach vital industrial areas like Weda Bay and Morowali Industrial Park. Both locations are pillars of Indonesia’s booming nickel mining and processing sectors, and better air links are expected to spur even faster growth there.