International Flights Land Again in Tanjung Kelayang, Belitung

A significant milestone for the revival of the tourism sector has finally been realised on Belitung Island. After a five-year struggle, regular international flights landed in the area again on Sunday (3/5/2026). This represents a major milestone for the Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone (KEK), which is now more firmly established as a new gateway for foreign exchange earnings for Indonesia. Low-cost carrier Scoot, part of the Singapore Airlines group, has officially begun operating the direct Belitung–Singapore route. Flying from Changi Airport, one of Southeast Asia’s busiest hubs, the route operates twice a week and achieved immediate success: the cabin was full with international tourists, particularly from Singapore. The Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs previously conducted a comprehensive study on the multiplier effect of opening this international route. The results are highly optimistic: Belitung’s economic growth has the potential to surge by up to 8 per cent, particularly from the foreign exchange brought in by international tourists. Tourism is considered the fastest and most efficient sector for driving the economy. Unlike the industrial sector, which requires lengthy and multi-layered processes, money from tourism circulates directly to the public, from hotels and restaurants to service providers and taxi drivers waiting at the airport arrivals gate. Belitung is now following in the footsteps of several international destinations such as Bali, Langkawi, or Koh Samui, which have developed rapidly thanks to robust air accessibility. This connectivity is the ‘golden key’ to tourism investment. When international tourists can reach a destination easily, the value of tourism products skyrockets, and foreign currency flows quickly down to the grassroots level. It is no surprise that Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates have long made tourism a pillar of economic diversification. As one of the national priority tourism destinations, the Tanjung Kelayang KEK continues to push itself to become Indonesia’s entry point for tourism foreign exchange. With the momentum of geopolitics offering new opportunities, the area is collaborating with various ministries and local governments to open regional international routes, which has now been realised with Scoot. ‘Today, one by one, the future of tourism that drives economic growth and provides employment is being realised,’ he said.