BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Indonesia AirAsia has launched a thrice-weekly route from Jakarta to Bandar Seri Begawan, in a move hoped to boost tourism and trade volume between the two countries.
The inaugural flight departed Soekarno-Hatta International Airport at 5.25pm on Friday and landed at Brunei International Airport at 9pm local time.
The route will operate three times a week, departing Jakarta on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and flying back on the same day.
“The launch of the new route to Bandar Seri Begawan further solidifies Indonesia AirAsia’s position in the ASEAN region, extending its reach to one of Indonesia’s closest neighboring countries,” said Eddy Krismeidi, head of the airline’s Indonesia Affairs and Policy.
He added that Brunei is the sixth country served by Indonesia AirAsia, following Australia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
It is hoped the new route will support Indonesia’s efforts to increase tourist arrivals from the ASEAN region.
Travellers from Brunei can take connecting flights from Jakarta to visit popular Indonesian destinations such as Bali, Labuan Bajo, Silangit, Lombok and Lampung, said Eddy.
The airline is also cooperating with Brunei Tourism to bring Indonesian media and travel agents to Brunei to highlight the country’s offerings, with an emphasis on Islamic tourism and green tourism.
“There needs to be greater awareness of Brunei’s rich heritage and attractions among Indonesian travellers, so we hope these familiarisation trips can help introduce Brunei to Indonesian tourists,” Eddy said.
In 2023, Brunei welcomed 13,672 Indonesian visitors, a substantial increase from the 1,596 arrivals in 2022. The government is hoping to boost passenger volume to pre-COVID levels.
“As of June 2024, 10,482 Indonesian visitors have already been recorded this year, and we look forward to seeing this year’s arrivals surpass last year’s total,” said Salinah Salleh, acting director of Tourism Development Department.
“This new route by Indonesia AirAsia will not only enhance connectivity but also encourage tourism and cultural exchange.”
Eddy said passenger load on the Jakarta-BSB flights is around 70% to 80% for the next week, a “good indicator” that the route and can be maintained and developed further.
Royal Brunei Airlines already operates a non-stop route from BSB to Jakarta five times a week.
Indonesian ambassador to Brunei, Prof. Dr. Achmad Ubaedillah, said AirAsia’s new route would help facilitate more trade and business opportunities between the two countries.
Bilateral trade was trending upwards from 2018 through 2022, growing from USD$133.7 million to USD$897.3 million, before dipping in 2023.
“Another direct flight between our two nations paves the way for enhanced business interactions,” said Dr Achmad. “I hope this year Indonesia and Brunei can restore the increasing trend in their bilateral trade, especially through more expos, investments and business exchanges.”