Direct flight to star between Denpasar, Auckland: Minister

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.