August 17, 2025 | 08:24 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tourism businesses in Solo City, Central Java, welcomed the Ministry of Transportation’s decision to designate 36 airports across Indonesia as international airports, including General Ahmad Yani Airport in Semarang.
Local tourism operators hope the central government will also reconsider granting international status to Adi Soemarmo Airport in Boyolali Regency, Central Java.
Daryono, a tourism business owner in Solo City, described the addition of international airports as a boost for tourism entrepreneurs in the Solo Raya region.
“We welcome President Prabowo’s call to increase the number of international airports in the regions. General Ahmad Yani Airport is one example. This is a fresh boost for us as tourism players in Solo Raya,” Daryono told reporters in Solo on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
The Coordinator of the Cooperation Division of the Indonesian Travel Association (Asita) Central Management expressed hopes that the government would also restore Adi Soemarmo Airport’s international status, which was revoked in April 2024.
The airport was among 17 airports in Indonesia whose international status was removed by the Ministry of Transportation.
Daryono argued that Adi Soemarmo Airport has the facilities, infrastructure, and trained personnel required for international operations. He noted that the airport already serves regular pilgrimage flights for Umrah travelers.
“Restoring international status is feasible because all requirements are met, and the airport already handles pilgrimage activity. There is no need for annual testing as a pilgrimage airport,” he said.
He added that regaining international status would benefit the public by improving connectivity for tourists and supporting regional and national economic growth.
Daryono noted that government and stakeholder involvement is crucial, citing China as an example, where provincial governments provide significant subsidies to attract tourists.
Adi Soemarmo Airport, operated by PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (InJourney Airports), resumed Umrah flights on the Solo-Jeddah route on July 12, 2025, following Hajj embarkation and disembarkation flights.
The inaugural Umrah flight by Lion Air used an Airbus 330 with 433 seats and is scheduled to operate weekly, departing from Solo on Saturday at 09:45 WIB and returning on Sunday at 09:05 AM WIB.
Editor’s Choice: Transportation Ministry Designates 36 Public Airports in Indonesia as International
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