Indonesia To Boost Tourism With New Direct International Flights, Bypassing Jakarta

Published on August 8, 2025

President Prabowo Subianto has challenged the Ministry of Transportation to launch direct international flights to tourist hotspots across Indonesia. Skipping Jakarta as the usual stop, this plan hopes to draw more travelers and larger foreign cash flows, giving the tourism sector and the national economy a meaningful lift.

According to Hasan Nasbi, Head of the Presidential Communication Office, the move underscores tourism as a cornerstone of Indonesia’s revenue base. Prabowo’s vision dovetails with the broader goal of a more balanced economy, placing the tourism industry squarely at the leading edge of growth.

Expanding Air Connectivity for Tourism Growth

At a press briefing on August 7, 2025, Nasbi outlined the President’s roadmap to open flights straight to key tourist markets across the archipelago. The present system, which routes almost all foreign flights through Jakarta, will give way to new links that land in regional airports. The approach is designed to streamline journeys and shine a spotlight on lesser-known destinations beyond the capital.

Prabowo’s announcement shows the administration’s pledge to make air travel across Indonesia easier by letting more regional airports welcome international flights. This step is also part of the plan to help local economies by opening up key tourist spots to visitors from abroad.

The President’s plan zeroes in on tourism’s twin prizes: more money for the country and new jobs for the people. Hasan Nasbi pointed out that travel and tourism produce strong income and draw in foreign exchange, both of which fuel national growth.

The push for direct flights is all about smoothing the travel path for tourists from major markets. With easier access, Indonesia strengthens its appeal on the world tourism stage. By opening up regional air access, the state hopes to shine a light on the country’s hidden gems, spreading the wealth of tourism beyond the big city hubs.

Potential Impact on National Revenue and Employment

The President’s strategy focuses on the dual benefits of tourism: boosting national revenue and creating employment opportunities. Hasan Nasbi noted that tourism plays a critical role in generating significant income and attracting foreign exchange, which are crucial for the country’s economic development. As more tourists visit the regions, the local economy benefits from job creation in the hospitality, transportation, and service sectors.

The direct flight initiative aims to streamline international tourism, attracting more visitors from major markets and enhancing Indonesia’s global competitiveness as a tourism destination. By expanding access to regional airports, the government seeks to capitalize on the potential of Indonesia’s lesser-known tourist spots, spreading economic benefits beyond the major urban centers.

New International Airports and Enhanced Connectivity

Indonesia’s strategy to promote tourism is supported by the recent inclusion of five airports in the list of international airports. This update is part of the country’s broader efforts to strengthen international air connectivity and provide more convenient access to tourist destinations. According to Minister of Transportation Decrees Number KM 26 and KM 30 of 2025, five airports have been added to the list, bringing the total number of international airports in the country to 22. This marks an increase from 17 international airports listed in Decree KM 31 of 2024.

Three of the newly designated international airports include Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport in Palembang, H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin Airport in Bangka Belitung, and Jenderal Ahmad Yani Airport in Semarang. These airports are now prepared to accommodate international flights and will play an important role in making direct international routes more viable.

Two additional airports, Syamsuddin Noor Airport in Banjarmasin and Supadio Airport in Pontianak, were also granted international status. However, the official designation of these airports remains subject to ongoing performance evaluations. The Ministry of Transportation will assess their viability based on criteria such as passenger and cargo traffic, flight frequency, and infrastructure readiness.

Future Prospects and Evaluations

The government has been busy adding new international airports, but leaders stress the task is far from over. Lukman F. Laisa, the Director General of Air Transportation, said every airport will be watched closely. Authorities will check whether the airport can still manage international traffic by looking at flight demand, how ready the operations are, and whether the airport can safely handle more passengers.

Airports that slip below the needed operational and infrastructure standards will lose their international designation. This careful approach lets Indonesia keep improving its tourism network in step with both local and global travel demand.

Enhancing Regional Economic Growth Through Tourism

President Prabowo’s push for more direct international flights also serves a bigger, economic purpose. Better access to quieter, lesser-visited areas means the wealth brought by tourism can be shared more fairly across the country. Many of the new international airports are in provinces that have beautiful sights and cultural riches but have not yet attracted many visitors. These regions are now perfectly positioned to welcome more foreign guests and boost their local economies.

This plan will give local economies a surge by drawing more international tourists to spots outside Jakarta. More foreign visitors should help local businesses grow, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and services, and will open up many new jobs in those areas.

Indonesia’s Bright Future in Global Tourism

Launching new international flights is key to making Indonesia a top player in global tourism. Direct flights to more regional airports, instead of just Jakarta, lets visitors reach amazing destinations more easily. Each new route not only helps local areas earn more but also brings in valuable foreign currency.

Better global connections should also boost visitor numbers and length of stay. More tourists who stay longer spend more money and explore more corners of the archipelago, driving local economies and reinforcing Indonesia’s place as a must-visit gem in Southeast Asia.