RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism is moving to diversify its international flight corridors by urging All Nippon Airways (ANA) to expand its reach beyond the capital, specifically targeting Yogyakarta as a primary cultural gateway.

During a bilateral meeting in Tokyo, Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, proposed a strategic strengthening of air connectivity to link more Japanese cities directly to Indonesia’s emerging "New Balis."

“We see a great opportunity to expand connectivity between Indonesia and Japan, not only through Jakarta but also to other destinations such as Yogyakarta,” said Minister Widiyanti in an official statement confirmed in Jakarta on Monday, March 30, 2026.

The discussions with ANA’s Senior Executive Vice President, Juichi Hirasawa, focused on leveraging Yogyakarta International Airport’s capacity to handle wide-body aircraft. By positioning the airport as a direct entry point for Japanese travelers, the government aims to provide seamless access to the Borobudur world heritage site and the broader cultural heartland of Java.

As reported by Antara, the proposal also suggests expanding operations from other major Japanese hubs like Osaka to offer a more diverse range of travel options.

Beyond infrastructure, the partnership envisions a comprehensive promotional blitz. The Ministry and ANA are exploring a collaborative marketing framework that includes "familiarization trips" for Japanese travel agents, media representatives, and influencers.

Indonesia’s tourism board plans to utilize ANA’s established digital ecosystem, including in-flight magazines and the ANA Mileage Club network. These platforms will be used to amplify the "Wonderful Indonesia" campaign across the Japanese market.

Minister Widiyanti also expressed her gratitude for ANA’s consistent service on the existing Tokyo–Jakarta route, which she described as a vital backbone for bilateral mobility. This latest diplomatic push underscores Indonesia's commitment to integrating the aviation industry with its national tourism targets, ensuring that cultural and natural heritage remains accessible to a global audience. ***

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