Makassar, (Antaranews Sulsel) - Garuda Indonesia along with the provincial government (Pemprov) of South Sulawesi are initiating a plan to start operating passenger and cargo flights on the Japan-Makassar route from June 2019.
The plan was revealed during a visit by Garuda Indonesia Business Director Pikri Ilham Kurniansyah, accompanied by the CEO of Kasulampua Aryo Wijosuseno Domestic Region, to meet the governor of South Sulawesi at the Baruga Governor`s Office Lounge in Makassar on Thursday.
"We have planned to prepare to be centered in Ujung Pandang (Makassar). The sea products we bring to Makassar will then be sent to Hong Kong, Japan. These are cargo planes," Kurniansyah noted.
He explained that Japan preferred to use Boeing-type aircraft specifically for passenger flights.
"Hopefully, the route would be fast," he remarked.
Garuda has lauded the Regional Government (Pemda) for its care and attention regarding the new route.
"If the government cares, it means it is concerned, so at least its officials will ride Garuda," he stated.
He also cited an example of the West Java regional government`s request to start flights on the Denpasar-Bandung route and make it a success.
PT Garuda Indonesia is also committed to strengthening its role in regional development.
"What needs to be strengthened for the development of South Sulawesi. The role of Garuda, as a state property, can be utilized for the progress of the region. It is of no use if the area we are developing does not develop," he pointed out.
According to Kurniansyah, other form of support from Garuda was to form a new economic system and to build a business ecosystem that can revive other sectors, such as tour and travel, hotels, and restaurants.
The governor of South Sulawesi expressed hope for the swift realization and for eastern Indonesia to receive attention.
"Thank you. Honestly, I have an interest. I have to visit. Hence, this east is honest, our dream of how to get special attention, and we have long dreamed about," he noted.
South Sulawesi is currently carrying out direct calls, thus opening up a wider tourism sector and downstream development. To this end, direct flights are needed abroad, including to Japan.
"Thank God, I had yesterday approached the president and some of our coordinating ministers had made direct calls, as they were approved," he remarked.
According to Nurdin, the initial launch of 36 containers after two months will be increased to four thousand containers. This is the main attraction of South Sulawesi and the flow of investment has begun to South Sulawesi. PT Kawasan Berikat Nusantara has also begun to look for business opportunities.
In addition, the governor recommends opening direct flights on the Bali-Makassar-Tokyo (Haneda Airport in Japan) route.
