International Flights to Belitung Resume, Tourism and Foreign Exchange Projected to Surge

International flights to Belitung Island have resumed operations after being halted for several years in the past. This momentum is seen as a new chapter in the development of the Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone (KEK), while also encouraging visits from foreign tourists and driving regional economic growth. The reopening of international air access is in line with directives from the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlangga Hartarto, to strengthen the tourism sector through direct flights from abroad. Currently, the direct Singapore-Belitung route is served by Scoot airline via Changi Airport. This route operates twice a week and has received a positive response from foreign tourists, especially from the Southeast Asian region. Spokesperson for the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy, Haryo Limanseto, stated that the reopening of international air access is believed to bring significant economic impacts to Belitung. “The economic impact and multiplier effect from opening this international gateway are very significant. Belitung Island’s economic growth has the potential to increase along with the influx of foreign exchange from foreign tourists,” he said, as quoted from the ekon.go.id website on Tuesday (5/5/2026). According to Haryo, spending by foreign tourists not only stimulates the hospitality and transportation sectors but also provides direct benefits to micro-business actors and the local community. “The economic circulation from the tourism sector tends to be felt more quickly by the community compared to other sectors that have longer distribution chains,” he said. Several world-class destinations such as Bali, Langkawi, and Koh Samui are considered to have developed successfully due to strong support from international flight access. Therefore, the government hopes that the Tanjung Kelayang KEK can develop into a new international tourism development centre outside of established destinations. Tourism data shows that visits by foreign tourists to Belitung continue to increase, from around 7,000 visits in 2023 to 10,000 visits in 2024. Direct international flights are expected to further boost the number of tourists while strengthening Belitung’s image as a national priority destination.