Ministry seeks stronger air connectivity to support cultural tourism

Culture Minister Fadli Zon said here Tuesday that stronger connectivity is essential to maximizing Indonesia’s cultural wealth as a global tourism attraction.

Revitalization of Borobudur, Prambanan, Plaosan, Sewu and Muara Jambi must be accompanied by stronger air links to attract domestic and international visitors, Zon said.

The ministry is seeking more direct international flights to Yogyakarta, Jambi and other potential destinations to support sustainable growth of the cultural tourism ecosystem.

Zon said cooperation with Garuda Indonesia, InJourney and other stakeholders could strengthen cultural diplomacy and increase foreign-exchange earnings from tourism.

Garuda Indonesia President Director Glenny H. Kairupan said the airline is reviewing flight-network development to support cultural destinations, including fleet optimization and potential new routes.

Garuda will continue assessing new routes from countries with strong tourism potential to improve access to cultural destinations and create added value for national tourism, Kairupan said.

InJourney President Director Maya Watono said Yogyakarta could become Indonesia’s leading cultural tourism gateway after Bali, supported by the revitalization of tourism and cultural assets.

The cooperation marks an important step toward reviving culture-based tourism, with the goal of increasing international arrivals and strengthening promotion of Indonesian destinations, Watono said.

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Translator: Sinta, Kenzu