Not Only Super Priorities, Ministry of Tourism Urged to Open Routes to Hidden Tourist Destinations

Beyond Bali, Labuan Bajo and Lake Toba, Indonesia boasts hundreds of other beautiful and authentic destinations that are hard to reach. House of Representatives Commission VII member Putra Nababan has firmly urged the Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar) and stakeholders to increase Flight Routes to hidden regions. 

This step is not just about adding routes, but dismantling the access disparities that have long made many destinations seem invisible.

"This needs to be done in several other regions, especially those that may not attract media, government, DPR, or even tourist attention, so this will open our eyes," said Putra at a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.

This statement serves as an alarm that many areas aren't even on the national discussion radar yet. 

The opening of the Jakarta-Luwuk and Guangzhou-Palu routes is a clear illustration. These routes don't just move passengers from one city to another; they shift attention from the center to the periphery, from famous destinations to those that have long been overlooked.

These routes are believed to be capable of showcasing local wisdom, Tourist Destinations, creative products, and cultures that are rarely or have never received attention from the public or the global world.

Central Sulawesi holds treasures like marine landscapes, cocoa plantations, and the sun durian, a local variety that is a source of regional pride. 

However, opening flight routes is not the end of the Story. Putra emphasized that access must be accompanied by improved service quality. Without good service standards, connectivity could backfire.

"Therefore, I urge our partners at the Ministry of Tourism to enhance the services at their tourist destinations, and also the travel operators," he said.

He also assured that the government and the DPR will continue to seek ways to expand connectivity to other destinations. The focus must no longer stop only at the super priority category.

"So it's not just super priority, not just priority, but also places we've never discussed, never talked about, let's open routes there too," said Putra.

Central Sulawesi Deputy Governor Reny Arnywaty Lamadjido welcomed the opening of these new routes as an important momentum. 

For the regional government, a new air route means an opportunity to improve services while expanding the promotion of flagship products.

Air Travel is seen as helping market commodities like durian and cocoa, which are now starting to be distributed abroad, including to China.

"So besides tourism, also culinary offerings, and local education programs conducted throughout Central Sulawesi province. Once again, thank you for giving us something new for Central Sulawesi province," said Reny.