The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has established a dedicated team in collaboration with the West Java Province government to craft comprehensive tour packages centered around Kertajati Airport, also known as West Java International Airport (BIJB). This initiative aims to contribute to the economic development of the local community by tapping into the strategic location of BIJB, which is the second-largest airport in Indonesia, facilitated by toll road access. Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno highlighted the need for integrated tour packages, leveraging the airport's advantageous position and busy flight traffic. The strategic location, coupled with increased flight activities, presents an opportunity to offer attractive tourism options to passengers, thereby positively impacting the local community. Uno emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to realize the full potential of tourism development around the airport.
Majalengka District in West Java has already developed several prominent tourist destinations over time, with Bantaragung Tourism Village being one of them. Minister Uno expressed support for direct flights from BIJB to destinations like Saudi Arabia for Umrah trips, Malaysia, and Singapore, emphasizing the significance of enhancing flight quality on these routes. Addressing the concern of affordability, Uno assured that future flight tickets from BIJB would be more accessible, thanks to government policies aimed at making air travel more inclusive. He commended the efforts of the Transportation Minister in facilitating direct flights from the Middle East to Kertajati, acknowledging the positive impact on BIJB's performance. Since the full commencement of commercial flights on October 29, 2023, at BIJB, there has been notable growth in flight activities. The airport's management reported a daily passenger load factor of 70%, with flights to Denpasar, Bali, emerging as particularly popular among travelers. This collaborative initiative seeks to harness the tourism potential surrounding Kertajati Airport, fostering economic growth and creating a thriving travel hub in West Java.
