Jakarta (ANTARA) - The reopening of international routes is considered as a strategic step to expand air transportation accessibility while strengthening Indonesia's global competitiveness, Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said.
"The reopening of these international routes is expected to open mobility for foreign tourists and business people, and also driving regional economic growth and strengthen Indonesia's position in the global connectivity network," he said in a statement on Sunday.
He conveyed this during the inauguration of the international status of Ahmad Yani Airport in Semarang, with the inaugural flight operated by AirAsia on the Kuala Lumpur-Semarang route on Friday, September 4.
According to him, this step follows the designation of 36 international airports, which aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's Astacita program to expand connectivity, increase international tourist visits, and strengthen regional economies.
Besides Semarang, the minister informed that Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport (SMB II) in Palembang has also resumed international flights starting July 18, 2025, through AirAsia Berhad, serving the Kuala Lumpur-Palembang route seven times a week.
This was followed by the Kuala Lumpur-Palembang route operated by Batik Air Malaysia three times a week starting September 13, and Scoot with the Singapore-Palembang route for January 2026.
Since the international route reopening, international passenger traffic in Palembang has shown a positive trend, with a total of 4,481 passengers in July 2025, increasing significantly to 10,166 passengers in August 2025, Purwagandhi added.
He mentioned that Palembang and Semarang play a strategic role as tourist gateways and regional economic centers.
"We hope it will encourage service improvements, strengthen collaboration with airlines, and optimize the promotion of tourist destinations and the potential of each region," he said.
The ministry's Directorate General of Civil Aviation also continues to coordinate with local governments, airport operators, airlines, and relevant stakeholders to ensure the quality of international airport and the comfort and safety of passengers.
"We ensure that international standards are maintained, both in terms of safety and passenger comfort. We also continue to encourage the sustainable development of the reopened routes," the minister assured.
He hopes the resumption of international flights in Semarang and Palembang will not only open access for tourists but also expand export opportunities for superior regional products, attract foreign investment, and trigger development in the regional economy.
