RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, has strengthened collaboration with the aviation and tourism sectors to develop culture-based tourism by improving air connectivity to various cultural heritage destinations across Indonesia. The initiative aims to expand access for tourists, particularly international visitors, to explore the country’s national heritage sites.

The meeting between Minister Fadli Zon and representatives of PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk., PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (InJourney), and InJourney Airports was held at the Ministry of Culture Office in Jakarta, Monday, 20, July 2026. The discussion focused on potential collaborations to support cultural advancement while increasing the contribution of the cultural sector to national economic growth through tourism.

He further emphasized that strengthening connectivity is a key factor in maximizing Indonesia’s cultural wealth as a global tourism attraction. He said ongoing revitalization efforts at heritage sites such as Borobudur, Prambanan, Plaosan, Sewu, and Muara Jambi must be accompanied by improved flight access.

“Indonesia has extraordinary cultural assets that must be supported by adequate access so their benefits can reach wider communities. The strengthening of air connectivity will allow not only domestic tourists but also more international visitors to experience Indonesia’s heritage, making Indonesian culture increasingly recognized worldwide,” Fadli said.

The Minister noted that cultural tourism visits have shown positive growth, requiring strategic measures to strengthen the cultural and tourism ecosystem. One of the efforts is encouraging more direct international flights to cultural destinations, including Yogyakarta, Jambi, and other potential areas, to support sustainable tourism development.

“Cultural advancement cannot be achieved alone. Cross-sector collaboration is the key to creating a comprehensive ecosystem, from heritage preservation and transportation access to international promotion,” Fadli added.

Meanwhile, President Director of Garuda Indonesia, Glenny H. Kairupan, stated that the airline continues to explore the development of flight networks to support national cultural destinations. He said opportunities to open new routes to priority areas will continue to be assessed to improve accessibility for tourists.

On the same occasion, President Director of PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (InJourney), Maya Watono, highlighted that stronger connectivity is a strategic step to make cultural destinations drivers of national economic growth. She said Yogyakarta has significant potential to become Indonesia’s cultural tourism gateway after Bali, especially with ongoing revitalization of tourism and cultural assets.

Garuda Indonesia Commercial Director, Reza Aulia Hakim, explained that the airline is preparing various schemes to optimize international flight capacity, including the Free Add-on Domestic program. The initiative is expected to increase international tourist arrivals, extend visitor stays, and create positive impacts for the national economy.

Through collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, Garuda Indonesia, InJourney, and InJourney Airports, the government aims to build a more integrated cultural and tourism ecosystem. The partnership is expected to strengthen the global competitiveness of Indonesia’s cultural destinations while positioning culture as one of the drivers of national economic growth.