Indonesia is redefining its aviation and tourism strategy with a landmark decision to expand direct international flights beyond Jakarta. The policy shift, announced in August 2025, stems from ongoing India–Indonesia strategic dialogues and is aimed at unlocking the full potential of the archipelago’s diverse destinations.
At a Plenary Cabinet Meeting in Jakarta, President Prabowo Subianto directed the Ministry of Transportation to decentralise international access, enabling foreign travelers to fly directly into regional hubs rather than transiting solely through Jakarta. The move is designed to reduce congestion, diversify entry points, and distribute tourism benefits more evenly across the country’s 17,000 islands.
“This is a significant pivot for Indonesia’s tourism and aviation sectors,” said an industry observer in Jakarta. “It demonstrates a clear intent to make the country more accessible to international travelers, while supporting regional economies that depend on tourism.”
By the Numbers: Indonesia’s New Aviation Strategy
- 40 international airports designated in Indonesia (up from 22)
- 17 Indonesian destinations opened via IndiGo–Garuda codeshare
- 7 Indian cities connected through Garuda–IndiGo partnership
- 50 million+ projected annual outbound Indian travelers by 2030
- 2,800 km — approximate distance between India and Indonesia’s main gateways, now more directly accessible
- 17,000 islands across Indonesia are positioned to benefit from decentralised international access
India–Indonesia Partnership: Tourism as a Strategic Pillar
The policy is closely linked to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between India and Indonesia, reinforced during President Prabowo’s State Visit to India in January 2025 for Republic Day celebrations. That visit produced a series of cross-sector MoUs, including agreements on aviation and tourism, underscoring the shared goal of deepening connectivity between two of Asia’s fastest-growing travel markets.
For India, enhanced flight access to Indonesian destinations strengthens outbound leisure opportunities for its rising middle class. For Indonesia, it promises to capture a greater share of the Indian outbound market, which is expected to exceed 50 million travelers annually by 2030.
Enhancing Air Connectivity: IndiGo–Garuda Codeshare Agreement
Central to this strategy is a bilateral codeshare agreement signed in June 2025 between IndiGo and Garuda Indonesia. Coming into effect in July (pending regulatory clearance), the agreement allows IndiGo passengers to book seamless itineraries to 17 Indonesian destinations, while Garuda customers gain access to seven Indian cities.
The tie-up leverages major transit hubs such as Singapore, Bangkok, Bali, and Jakarta, creating new multi-destination travel options that blend India’s urban gateways with Indonesia’s leisure and cultural hotspots. For tour operators, the expanded network opens opportunities to curate diversified itineraries spanning heritage circuits, wellness retreats, and island tourism.
Airport Network Expansion: 40 International Gateways
Complementing airline partnerships, Indonesia is dramatically widening its airport infrastructure. By mid-August 2025, the country had expanded its roster of international airports to 40, nearly doubling from 22 in previous years. The upgraded network is expected to disperse tourist flows across the archipelago, fueling growth in secondary and emerging destinations such as Lombok, Labuan Bajo, and Yogyakarta.
The expansion also reflects Indonesia’s ambition to decentralise tourism development, reducing pressure on Bali and Jakarta while positioning regional cities as competitive entry points for international visitors.
What It Means for Travelers
- Fewer Layovers – More direct flights mean less time in transit through Jakarta.
- New Destinations – Easier access to emerging hotspots like Lombok, Labuan Bajo, and Yogyakarta.
- Seamless Journeys – IndiGo–Garuda codeshare enables single-ticket, multi-destination itineraries.
- Greater Choice – Expanded airport network spreads visitor flows across 40 international gateways.
- Balanced Tourism – Travelers can explore beyond Bali, supporting regional economies.
- Stronger India–Indonesia Links – More routes enhance cultural, leisure, and business travel opportunities.
A Strategic Blueprint for Tourism Growth
The confluence of expanded airport access, codeshare cooperation, and bilateral strategic alignment signals a new phase in Indonesia’s tourism evolution. Analysts note that this policy recalibration mirrors wider regional trends, where countries are prioritising decentralised connectivity to meet post-pandemic travel demand.
For both India and Indonesia, the benefits extend beyond tourism. Enhanced connectivity is expected to bolster trade, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties, further solidifying a partnership rooted in economic and strategic cooperation.
As international airlines recalibrate networks and destinations, Indonesia’s decision to expand its international aviation footprint positions it as one of Asia’s most dynamic travel markets. For travelers, it means fewer stopovers, more direct access, and greater choice when exploring the cultural and natural wealth of the world’s largest archipelago.
