Gibran Rakabuming Raka's Big Dream For Solo: Flying Overseas Through Adi Soemarmo Airport

JAKARTA - Mayor of Surakarta Gibran Rakabuming Raka wants flights to overseas destinations via Adi Soemarmo Solo Airport to be realized immediately so that the tourism sector can grow even more.

"(Overseas flights) are not only for the ASEAN Para Games but also for future tourism," he said in Solo, Saturday, July 2.

He said it would be ineffective if the Surakarta City Government tried to boost the tourism sector but it was not accompanied by adequate travel access, including direct flights from abroad.

"We are excited about (tourism) but there are no useless direct flights. I have been from elementary school, junior high school, going back and forth to Singapore from Solo, now I don't even have one," he said.

In this regard, his party has requested assistance from the relevant ministers, including the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy and the Minister of SOEs.

"I also ask Garuda Indonesia for help. If you can't get a direct flight from Jakarta first. I have prepared the place," he said.

Meanwhile, during his visit to Solo, the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, said that Solo is currently moving positively in economic recovery.

"Earlier, at the guardian's request, I made contact with several airlines to apply for permits and was assisted by the guardian to provide recommendations to increase the number of direct flights from abroad to Solo," he said.

He said the most prospective overseas flight routes to work on were Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Moreover, the ASEAN Tourism Forum was held in Indonesia.

"At the earliest, 3-4 months (for tourist trips). For this, there is a G20, so a direct connection is needed, there is the G20 and the ASEAN Para Games," he said.***1***