2019, Banyuwangi Airport Serves International Flights

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta - Minister of Tourism (Menpar) Arief Yahya said the central government continues to encourage Banyuwangi to develop tourism. The area nicknamed The Sunrise of Java has three criteria as a prerequisite to be a major destination, namely a global tourist attraction, support amenitas a complete, and aksebilitas the easier.

"Well to be an international destination we have to open international flights," said Arief in Banyuwangi, Friday (16/2). Arief was present in Banyuwangi after yesterday inaugurated the Citilink flight route Jakarta-Banyuwangi.

Arief said Banyuwangi's achievement attracts tourists quite well. For domestic tourists to Banyuwangi, 497,000 tourists in 2010 jumped to 4.01 million people in 2016. As for foreign tourists (foreign tourists) rose from 5,205 (2010) to 91,000 foreign tourists (2017) with foreign exchange earnings of Rp 546 billion.

"Very good, almost 100,000 foreign tourists a year. It was amazing for the new area to clean up the tour. In Sumatra there is no such amount, except Riau. From here we see there are great opportunities to make international routes for more and more tourists coming," he said.

According to Arief, countries that have potential to explore international routes are Australia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Banyuwangi also has an excellent momentum to become an international airport. Especially in October 2018 when there was an annual meeting of the IMF and World Bank in Bali, where thousands of delegates from around the world attended. Some of the delegates landed and parked the aircraft at Banyuwangi Airport.

"It was an incredible moment. Banyuwangi has prepared tour packages, the ministry fully support," said Arief.

President Director of PT Angkasa Pura II as the manager of Banyuwangi Airport, M. Awaluddin, said it has explored collaboration with international airlines. One of them is Jetstar, an Australian airline.

"Jetstar made the study even had a field survey. I am surprised. They are interested, asked for added some international airport facilities, such as immigration counters," he explained.

In order to become an international airport, Angkasa Pura II has invested Rp 400 billion, among others, to extend the runway and expansion of apron.

"Initially Rp 300 billion, but see the prospect of Banyuwangi we added to Rp 400 billion. Later 2019 runway was extended again 2,800 meters and width from 30 meters to 45 meters," said Awaluddin.

Banyuwangi Regent Azwar Anas is ready to expand collaboration with various parties to realize the international route. "We will take a lot of things, because accessibility is the key to promote tourism as well as improve the economy of the community," he said