Guangzhou-Palu Route to Boost Chinese Tourist Visits Opens in May 2026

The Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar) inaugurated the opening of two new Flight Routes, Jakarta-Luwuk and Guangzhou-Palu. The opening of these two new routes serves as a strategy to address connectivity challenges for tourism in Eastern Indonesia.

For Central Sulawesi, connectivity is not merely about access, but the lifeblood of the local economy. 

Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa emphasized the direct impact expected to be felt by the community.

"Hopefully, labor absorption can increase and economic circulation will be directly felt by the SMEs in the regency," stated Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa in her speech in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The Jakarta-Luwuk route is scheduled to commence operations on June 1, 2026. Meanwhile, the direct flight from Guangzhou, China to Palu is planned to open in May 2026. 

These two air routes act as bridges connecting the national economic center and one of the world's largest tourism markets with the exotic landscapes of Central Sulawesi.

Addressing Connectivity Challenges

Until now, access to several destinations in Central Sulawesi has often been a challenge for tourists. Yet, this region holds extraordinary potential, from the Tomini Bay coastline to authentic Tourism Villages.

With easier and direct access, the journey to Luwuk and Palu is expected to no longer feel distant, both for Domestic Tourists and international visitors.

Moreover, the Chinese market plays a crucial role in Indonesia's tourism landscape. According to Central Statistics Agency (BPS) data, Chinese Tourist Visits reached 1,344,074 in 2025. 

This figure positions Chinese tourists among the top five largest markets in terms of visitor numbers and expenditure in Indonesia.

For Central Sulawesi, the Guangzhou-Palu route is not just an international flight path but a gateway to broader economic opportunities.

Revitalizing SMEs and Tourism Villages

Ni Luh expressed hope that the new routes will stimulate the local economy, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprise (UMKM) players. Potential areas for development range from local gastronomic treasures and regional woven fabrics to Tourism Village expansion.

"Once connectivity is established, what we must push for is ensuring this connectivity doesn't falter midway—by enhancing our service quality for tourists at destinations," said Ni Luh.

This message serves as a reminder that access is only the beginning. Quality Tourism experiences, friendly service, and competitive local products will determine the sustainability of tourist flows.

Central Sulawesi Deputy Governor Reny Arnywati Lamadjido views the two routes as powerful promotional momentum for the region.

"This will expand the world’s perspective on Indonesia. The world will turn its gaze to Central Sulawesi, leading to more visits by tourists both locally and internationally," she stated.

This optimism aligns with the spirit to position Central Sulawesi more prominently on the global tourism map.

Collaboration as the Key

Behind this route launch, government-industry collaboration forms a critical foundation. 

Cocos Tour Director Lentono believes cross-sector synergy is vital for determining tourism experience quality at destinations.

He appreciated Kemenpar's collaborative efforts to advance tourism through promotion and expanding flight routes to other Indonesian destinations.