Direct flight to star between Denpasar, Auckland: Minister

Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Indonesia and New Zealand have agreed to initiate a direct flight service between the two nations, with the first route to commence soon between Denpasar and Auckland, the largest city and center of business in New Zealand.

Minister of Trade Mari Pangestu told The Jakarta Post recently that the countries had agreed to choose Denpasar and Auckland for the first route, with a possibility of opening other routes in the foreseeable future.

"Direct flights are needed to enhance the mobility of people between the two countries, especially in the tourism and education sector.

"As we know, the people of our two nations need to know each other better to improve our relationship," said Mari, adding that Auckland had been chosen in order to lure more of New Zealand's travelers to the resort island Bali, while at the same time giving opportunities for Denpasar-based businesses -- notably small and medium ones -- to explore the possibility of expanding networks and markets there.

The route will be opened as a follow-up to the cooperative agreements inked between Indonesia and New Zealand in the economic sector during the visit of Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to the country last Thursday.

During a joint press conference between Susilo and New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, they acknowledged that there were not enough connections between the people of the two countries due to the lack of knowledge and understanding between them.

Another step that is likely to be taken is a follow-up of the existing joint Trade and Economic Commission to formulate effective and practical ways to boost bilateral activities.

The specific timetable for the commencement of the direct flight would be discussed in the next meeting of the Commission, scheduled for November.

Although geographically Indonesia is located near New Zealand, trade and economic activities between the countries are fairly insignificant, with Indonesia ranked only 16th in last year's list of New Zealand's largest partners -- lower than Malaysia, for instance, which ranked 12th.

Susilo and Clark emphasized the need for higher mobility between people of the two countries in a bid to enhance the relationship and activities between them.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed president director of national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, Emirsyah Satar, told the Post that the airline would conduct a feasibility study for a direct flight to New Zealand.

Emirsyah said that, at present, Garuda already has indirect flight to Auckland via Brisbane, Australia.

"At present we are serving New Zealand via Brisbane. We still think that a direct flight is not that feasible right now. However, we will explore it some more and look into the possibility," said Emirsyah.