Prabowo Welcomes New Indonesia-Thailand Direct Flights to Boost Tourism

President Prabowo Subianto has welcomed the launch of new direct air routes connecting key cities in Indonesia and Thailand, emphasizing that enhanced aviation connectivity is crucial for fostering stronger people-to-people relationships and stimulating regional tourism.

"In terms of connectivity, we welcome the opening of new direct flight routes from Jakarta to Bangkok and Denpasar to Phuket, which are expected to further strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries," President Prabowo stated during a joint press conference with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Jakarta on Monday, August 3, 2026.

The expansion of air travel is bolstered by a memorandum of understanding signed between the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Indonesian airline TransNusa. Prime Minister Anutin highlighted that the new routes, particularly between Phuket and Bali, will target specific tourism segments such as wellness, cruise travel, and the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector.

Beyond aviation, the two nations are deepening their private-sector collaboration. An MoU between Bio Axel and Pro Consilium aims to develop an organic waste processing project. Furthermore, Prime Minister Anutin commended the formal adoption of the Indonesia-Thailand Strategic Partnership Roadmap 2026–2030, which provides a framework for future cross-border cooperation. Thai businesses have expressed strong confidence in Indonesia's economic prospects and are keen to establish long-term partnerships across various sectors, including sustainable fisheries, food processing, agriculture, energy, the halal economy, and digital services.

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In terms of connectivity, we welcome the opening of new direct flight routes from Jakarta to Bangkok and Denpasar to Phuket, which are expected to further strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.