Call for Direct Flights Between Moscow and Bali to Enhance Economic Ties

Bali, Indonesia – May 17, 2025 – There has been a renewed push for the establishment of direct flights connecting Moscow, Russia, and Bali, Indonesia, as part of efforts to strengthen economic ties between the two nations. The initiative is being led by Airlangga Hartarto, the Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs.

During a Russian-Indonesian business forum held on April 14, 2025, Hartarto highlighted the significance of direct air travel in fostering closer collaboration between the people of both countries. He stated, “We encourage people-to-people collaboration, including direct flights from Moscow to Bali.” This sentiment underscores the government’s intent to bolster tourism and business exchanges.

In addition to the proposed Moscow-Bali flights, Hartarto also indicated that there is an opportunity for Russian flights to be introduced to five other tourist destinations within Indonesia. "We have five other tourist destinations that can also be improved through air travel," he explained, showing a comprehensive strategy to diversify air connectivity beyond Bali.

The maritime and tourism minister stressed that the establishment of direct routes from Jakarta to Moscow would also be pivotal in supporting business development, particularly for the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) and its Russian counterparts. This highlights the broader ambition to not only enhance tourism but also to pave the way for diverse economic interactions between the two countries.

The proposal has already garnered attention, with Hartarto initiating discussions with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Valentinovich Manturov about integrating Russian flights to Indonesia. Although no specific date for the commencement of these proposed routes has been disclosed, Hartarto expressed optimism, asserting that the plans for flight connections could be implemented on short notice.

This initiative comes at a time when Bali is seeking to recover economically from the impact of global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Direct flights could significantly boost tourist numbers from Russia, further contributing to the recovery of Bali’s vital tourism sector.

As both countries look forward to enhancing their ties through this initiative, stakeholders in the Indonesian tourism and aviation industries eagerly await further developments on the direct flight proposals.

For updates and more information on ongoing developments regarding these potential flights, observers can stay tuned to local news outlets and tourism boards.

This article aims to keep the community informed about serious developments in international aviation and tourism, highlighting significant economic opportunities for Indonesia and its potential partners.