Jakarta. International flights to Indonesia's Belitung Island have officially resumed operations after a year-long hiatus, paving the way for greater foreign exchange in tourism.

Its reopening marks a new chapter in the development of the Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

Direct flights between Belitung and Singapore are back online through regular services operated by Scoot.

The route, which connects Changi Airport with Belitung, operates twice weekly and has received significant support from international tourists, particularly from Southeast Asia. The inaugural flight, using a 112-seat Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, recorded 80 passenger arrivals (a load factor of more than 70%).

Chief Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto has previously instructed tourism promotion, including via direct flights.

"Opening this international gateway holds a significant economic impact and multiplier effect. We are optimistic that growth on the island will surge, driven strongly by the foreign exchange brought in by international tourists," the ministry's spokesperson Haryo Limanseto said.

Foreign tourist activity not only contributes to the hospitality and transportation sectors but also creates a ripple effect that reaches micro-businesses and local communities. The economic turnover from these sectors tends to be faster and more directly felt than other sectors with longer distribution chains.

World-leading destinations such as Bali, Langkawi, and Koh Samui have shown that adequate international flight access is key to attracting quality tourists and increasing regional economic value.

The economic value of a tourism destination is directly proportional to the number of tourist visits and the amount of foreign exchange circulating in the region. The impact extends not only to the primary sector but also to local businesses and communities surrounding the point of arrival, such as transportation and other supporting services.

The government considers connectivity-based tourism development a crucial strategy amidst global dynamics. Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, have optimized the tourism sector as a source of new economic growth through significant investments in infrastructure and accessibility.

The Tanjung Kelayang SEZ is expected to become a key hub for international tourism development beyond established destinations.

Tourism data shows a consistent increase in foreign tourist visits to Belitung, from around 7,000 in 2023 to 10,000 in 2024. Direct international flights are expected to increase the number of visits and facilitate the branding of Belitung Island as a priority and high-quality tourism destination.

"As a priority tourism destination, Belitung is strategically located, only about an hour from Jakarta, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur," Herfan Brilianto, the assistant deputy for tourism development, said.

"The Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs is committed to leveraging the airport's international status to boost Belitung's tourism sector, supported by the Tanjung Kelayang Tourism SEZ."

Synergy between the central and sub-national governments, as well as businesses, will continue to be strengthened to ensure the sustainability of flight operations and improve the quality of destination services.

"We see this as more than just the opening of a flight route, but rather part of a broader strategy to accelerate regional economic growth, create jobs, and expand the country's foreign exchange earnings base," Haryo said.

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