Indonesia's government plans to open a direct flight route from Thailand to Yogyakarta to facilitate Buddhist worship at Borobudur Temple. Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Kartika Wirjoatmodjo announced this during the reception of Bhikkhu Thudong on way to Borobudur for the celebration of Vesak 2024 at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII).
She also expressed hope that the existence of direct flights from Thailand to Yogyakarta would make it easier for Buddhists from Thailand and other ASEAN regions to visit Borobudur Temple.
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Meanwhile, the plan to open the direct flight route Thailand - Yogyakarta through Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) is expected to be realized in three months, specifically in August 2024.
In this regard, Maya Watono, Director of Marketing and Tourism Program at PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia or InJourney, stated that they have coordinated with 30 travel agencies from Thailand to facilitate pilgrimage tourism to Borobudur Temple.
She also added that this effort will start with charter flights from Thailand to Yogyakarta using Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) in Kulonprogo, which is expected to start within the next three months.
Through the use of charter flights, at least 1.2 million tourists per year are expected to visit Borobudur Temple.
Maya stated that the Vesak celebration will be a busy time with the arrival of many tourists to Borobudur Temple. Although domestic tourists dominate, she estimates that there will still be visits from foreign tourists from Thailand, Vietnam, China and South Korea.
