TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno said the government would support an increase in international flight frequency entering Bali ahead of the G20 presidency. The government planned to rearrange flight regulations to ease airlines in carrying passengers.

“Bali will be prepared to have new regulations because this province is the location for various international events. Even though Bali has been opened, direct flights cannot be realized,” said Sandiaga at the Weekly Press Briefing on Monday, January 24.

He said the plan to increase the flight frequency was in line with the travel bubble scheme that is being explored with various countries. The travel bubble is a scheme to open tourism gates between countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through this scheme, countries in ties will agree to open borders and allow their citizens to travel in certain areas that have been determined. At present, Sandiaga ensured that Indonesia is discussing possible ties with Japan and India.

He hoped that the plan on increasing the direct flight frequency could be carried out in the second and third quarters since G20 meetings and side events will be held in November.

According to Sandiaga, several foreign airlines expressing interest in opening direct flights to Indonesia via Bali since six months ago included those from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Japan, India, and Turkey.

“We'll assess later which country is the most prepared. Australia is also the most realistic choice because there are lots of wishes from tourists there, but we are waiting for the readiness of the local government,” Sandiaga Uno said.

Read: Sandiaga Uno: Batam Bintan-Singapore Travel Bubble Opens January 24

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA