The Central Government and the Belitung Regency Government are strengthening collaboration to position Belitong as a world-class tourism destination. A key strategy agreed upon is the urgent development of regional and international flight routes to enhance accessibility.
This agreement emerged from a Coordination Meeting held by the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs alongside the Belitung Regency Government in Tanjung Pandan, Belitong, on Thursday (21/8/2025).
“Tourism is a strategic sector that we project to be a major driver of national economic growth. In line with our priorities, the government continues to prepare concrete steps to support and accelerate tourism development,” said Rudy Salahuddin, Deputy for Industry, Manpower, and Tourism Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, during his keynote speech.
Belitong has been designated a Priority Tourism Destination in the 2025–2029 RPJMN. Its strategic position is further supported by the Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone and its recognition as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark network. With this elevated status comes strict evaluation mechanisms, making the optimization of airport utilization, particularly through the opening of new regional and international flight routes, a crucial focus.
The roadmap and action plan discussed include:
- Expanding Flight Routes, direct connections from major Indonesian cities and ASEAN neighbors (Kuala Lumpur and Singapore), supported by market feasibility studies and airline incentives.
- Strengthening Infrastructure, ensuring readiness of airport facilities and tourism support services.
- Developing Quality Tourism, providing high-standard facilities to cater to premium travelers.
- Event Activation, hosting consistent national and international events to attract sustainable tourism flows.
Rudy emphasized that the opening of new routes is expected to increase tourist arrivals, broaden markets, and attract investment in tourism and supporting sectors. He noted Indonesia’s improved global standing, rising ten positions to 22nd in the Travel and Tourism Development Index.
Belitung Regent Djoni Alamsyah reaffirmed the local government’s readiness to synergize with the central government to ensure tourism development remains sustainable and beneficial for the community by creating jobs, boosting hotel occupancy, strengthening MSMEs, and energizing the creative economy.
This strategic coordination is expected to accelerate Belitung’s transformation into a leading global tourism destination while contributing significantly to national economic growth.