China-RI direct flights on March 1

China-RI direct flights on March 1

JAKARTA: The government has decided to allow direct flights from China to Jakarta and Bali with the maiden voyages on the routes scheduled for March 1, Minister of Culture and Tourism I Gede Ardika said Saturday.

Ardika was quoted by Antara as saying in Gianyar, Bali that the government decided to open the new routes to boost tourism and investment in the country.

Ardika was in Bali to accompany visiting Croatian President Stepjan Mesic.

The idea of direct flights from China to Indonesia was first pledged by China's Prime Minister Zhu Rongji during his visit to Bali last November.

Ardika did not give details on the airlines that will serve the routes as well as the flight frequency. -- JP