Indonesia Opens New Routes to Boost Chinese Tourist Arrivals

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia continues to expand its international air connectivity by opening two new flight routes, Jakarta-Luwuk and Guangzhou-Palu. It aims to strengthen access to Central Sulawesi and attract more tourists from China.

The Ministry of Tourism officially inaugurated the two routes as part of efforts to enhance connectivity to the region while tapping into the Chinese tourist market. The Guangzhou–Palu route is scheduled to commence operations in May 2026, while the Jakarta-Luwuk route will begin serving passengers on 1 June 2026.

Vice Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Puspa, stated that the opening of the Guangzhou-Palu route marks a strategic step to broaden Indonesia’s international connectivity, particularly with China, which remains one of the country’s key tourism markets.

“This is one of the strategic steps to expand Indonesia’s international connectivity, particularly the Chinese market, which has long been one of the most potential sources of international tourists for Indonesia’s tourism sector,” Puspa conveyed on Wednesday.

She noted that China is considered a highly promising market due to its large number of outbound travellers and relatively high spending on tourism. The direct Guangzhou–Palu route is expected to increase tourist arrivals and contribute to regional economic growth, she added.

Meanwhile, Member of Commission VII of the House of Representatives, Putra Nababan, described the new route as a strategic move to promote destinations that have yet to gain wider national recognition.

“Now anyone can fly to Jakarta, then continue directly to Palu, and now even from abroad especially from China from Guangzhou. They can enjoy tourism there, the local cuisine, and especially local MSME products as well as the creative economy,” Putra said.

He further emphasized that the House, in collaboration with the government, will continue to support the expansion of access to other emerging destinations. Beyond increasing visitor numbers, improved connectivity is also expected to boost tourist spending and strengthen local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as the creative economy sector.