RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism commends TransNusa's opening of the Taipei-Manado flight route, as it is seen as strengthening connectivity and encouraging international tourist visits, particularly from the Taiwanese market.

The Deputy for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, said that the new route is a collaboration between TransNusa and Cocos Tour, with support from the government and the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office (KDEI) in Taipei, in response to the growing interest of Taiwanese tourists in visiting Indonesia.

"Connectivity is key to expanding access and increasing the competitiveness of destinations. Direct flights from Taiwan have been long-awaited. We hope this route will attract more tourists to Indonesia in a sustainable manner," Ayu Marthini said in a written statement in Manado on Saturday, February 14, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

According to her, the Taiwanese market is showing a growth trend, with strong interest in nature tourism and special interests such as fitness, marine tourism, and culinary delights. Manado is considered a favorite destination due to its underwater potential and cultural affinity.

Ministry of Tourism data shows that Taiwanese tourists visited 204,704 throughout 2025, an 11.65 percent increase compared to 183,341 visits in the same period the previous year. Taiwan also consistently ranks among the top 20 countries contributing foreign tourist visits to Indonesia.

Made believes the new route will strengthen the tourism ecosystem and open economic opportunities for the people of North Sulawesi.

The inaugural flight took place on February 14, 2026, from Taipei at 2 p.m. local time, arriving at Sam Ratulangi Airport at 6 p.m. local time. The return flight departed Manado at 9 a.m. local time and arrived in Taipei at 1 p.m. local time. The flight used an Airbus A320 aircraft with return flights on February 14, 18, and 22, 2026.

Arif Sulistyo, Head of the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office (IETO) in Taipei, said that the direct route shortens travel time and opens up opportunities for cooperation in tourism, trade, and investment between the two regions.

He said that his party will continue to support the strengthening of promotions and cooperation in strategic sectors so that the route can operate sustainably. ***