Ministry Welcomes Launch of Jakarta–Muara Bungo Flight Route

RRI.CO.ID, Bungo - Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation has welcomed the inaugural operation of the Jakarta (CGK)–Muara Bungo (BUU) flight route, which began service on Monday, June 15, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen air connectivity and support regional economic growth.

Director General of Civil Aviation Lukman F. Laisa said the opening of the new route represents a strategic step to improve public accessibility while enhancing national connectivity.

"The inaugural Batik Air flight on the Jakarta–Muara Bungo route marks an important milestone in improving public accessibility and strengthening air connectivity in the western part of Jambi Province," Lukman said in an official statement received in Jakarta on Monday.

According to him, improved air connectivity will create greater opportunities for investment, trade, tourism, and community mobility in the region.

Lukman also expressed appreciation to all parties involved in making the new service possible, including the Jambi Provincial Government, the Bungo Regency Government, the Muara Bungo Airport Management Unit (UPBU), and Batik Air.

Bungo Regency is considered strategically positioned as an economic hub along the central Sumatra corridor, serving the movement of people and goods from surrounding areas such as Merangin, Sarolangun, Tebo, Kerinci, Sungai Penuh City, and Dharmasraya Regency in West Sumatra.

The region also possesses significant economic potential supported by the palm oil and rubber plantation industries, mining activities, as well as tourism and local cultural attractions.

In terms of infrastructure, Muara Bungo Airport has a runway measuring 2,100 meters in length and 30 meters in width, capable of accommodating aircraft such as the Airbus A320-200. The airport is also equipped with a passenger terminal covering nearly 2,974 square meters.

Under the new route, Batik Air will operate daily round-trip flights between Jakarta and Muara Bungo using aircraft with a seating capacity of 156 passengers.

The Ministry of Transportation hopes the direct service to Jakarta will provide more travel options for the public while fostering healthy competition among airlines.

"We hope this increase in flight services will boost passenger traffic, stimulate regional economic activity, and open opportunities for the development of new routes in the future," Lukman said.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing air connectivity as part of efforts to promote equitable national development, improve regional competitiveness, and strengthen Indonesia's territorial integration.