Presiden Prabowo Subianto has demonstrated a strong commitment to elevating Indonesia’s tourism industry. During a plenary cabinet session at the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta on August 6th, 2025, he emphasized the importance of broadening access for international travelers, particularly through international ports and airports.
Economy Minister Airlangga Hartarto revealed that Prabowo envisions a significant expansion of air and sea routes to facilitate easier entry for foreign visitors to Indonesia’s top destination spots. “The President has a particular focus on tourism. He directed that international ports, including airports at key tourist sites, be made more accessible—allowing regional and international flights to operate smoothly,” Airlangga explained.
In addition to easing access, Prabowo advocates for elevating global events such as the MotoGP at Mandalika and F1 Power Boat races at Lake Toba, ensuring their scale and prestige grow. Airlangga highlighted that these world-class events will bolster Indonesia’s reputation as a premier global tourist destination.
Following these directives, the Ministry of Transportation has approved the addition of five new international airports, raising the total number from 17 to 22 across the country. This expansion is backed by two new regulations: Ministry of Transportation Decision No. KM 26/2025, designating three airports—Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II in Palembang, H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin in Bangka Belitung, and Jenderal Ahmad Yani in Semarang—as international; and Decision No. KM 30/2025, which has added Banjarmasin’s Syamsuddin Noor and Pontianak’s Supadio airports to the list of new international gateways.
Stay tuned for the latest updates and insights from Indonesia’s vibrant tourism scene.
