Semarang, Palembang Airports Resume Intl. Flights to Boost Regional Growth

KBRN, Semarang: Ahmad Yani International Airport in Semarang officially resumed international flight services on Friday, September 5, 2025, with the launch of a direct route to Kuala Lumpur operated by AirAsia.

The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to expand air connectivity beyond major cities, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita initiative.

The daily route is expected to provide a significant boost to Central Java’s economy and tourism sector. It is one of 36 airports targeted for international flight reactivation under a national plan to increase foreign tourist arrivals and stimulate regional development.

Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi emphasized the importance of reopening the route as a step toward improving air transport accessibility. “This international route is expected to enhance mobility for foreign tourists and businesspeople, drive regional economic growth, and strengthen Indonesia’s position in the global connectivity network,” he said in Jakarta on Friday, September 5, 2025, as reported by dephub.go.id.

Central Java Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Maimoen, speaking at the inaugural flight ceremony, echoed the sentiment. “This new international service opens a door for Central Java to attract foreign tourists and expand the market for local products,” he said.

A surge in demand supports the optimism. Taj Yasin cited data showing that 8,553 passengers are scheduled to fly on the new route. “In 2024, only 593 foreign tourists visited Central Java. Today, we already have 8,553 passengers booked to fly between Central Java and Kuala Lumpur,” he added.

Rahadian D. Yogisworo, CEO of InJourney Airports Regional IV, expressed confidence in the route’s potential. “In 2019, before the pandemic, Ahmad Yani Airport served nearly 230,000 international passengers. With this reopening, we’re optimistic Semarang can once again become a key gateway to Central Java,” he said, noting plans to launch a new route to Singapore in November.

Muhammad Masrofi, Head of the Central Java Youth, Sports, and Tourism Agency, projected a strong rebound in tourism. “With the Kuala Lumpur route now operational and Scoot planning a Semarang–Singapore route by the end of 2025, we expect foreign tourist visits to grow by up to 38 percent, higher than the 28 percent increase recorded from 2023 to 2024,” he said.

Alex Gunarto, Chairman of the Central Java branch of the Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASITA), welcomed the new flight. “Easier access for foreign tourists will undoubtedly increase visits to Central Java,” he stated.

A British tourist from London, Cameroon, who was on the inaugural flight, praised the new route. “This is my second visit to Semarang. The direct flight makes my trip much easier and faster. Previously, I had to fly to Surabaya and take a train, which took much longer. Now it’s far more convenient,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II (SMB II) Airport in Palembang also resumed international services.

Since July 18, AirAsia Berhad has operated a daily Kuala Lumpur–Palembang flight with a load factor exceeding 90 percent.

Additional routes are in development, with Batik Air Malaysia set to launch a new service on September 13, and Scoot scheduled to begin a Singapore–Palembang route in January 2026.

SMB II Airport also continues to serve regular Umrah charter flights. Since the resumption of international services, passenger traffic in Palembang has risen from 4,481 in July to 10,166 in August 2025.

Minister Dudy underscored the strategic role of Semarang and Palembang as gateways for tourism and trade. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining international standards for safety and passenger comfort.

The reopening of international flights in both cities is expected to not only attract more tourists but also boost exports, draw foreign investment, and accelerate regional economic growth. ***