Indonesia develops floating airport to attract foreign tourists

Robby Kurniawan, head of the Indonesian Transport Ministry’s policy agency, said the floating airport could help regions develop tourism destinations and connect provinces and cities. In addition, it could connect tourists from central airports to tourist destinations at sea, serving as a pioneering mode of transportation in island and archipelago areas, especially in the most remote and difficult border areas.

Seaplane testing in Bali. Source: Indonesian Ministry of Transport

Currently, the Indonesian Ministry of Transport is conducting a policy analysis and feasibility study related to the operation of a floating airport, focusing on proposing a pilot project in the southern region of Bali. The choice of Bali as the location for the pilot project is based on the number of tourists both domestic and foreign visiting the highest in Indonesia. In addition, Bali also has its own market share; the aviation industry in Bali is very unique, the helicopter rental service is very efficient and popular, so seaplanes can be an alternative.

Seaplane testing at Bali's Mertasari Beach has also been carried out as an effort to encourage the area around Denpasar to become Indonesia's first seaplane hub, which will then be connected to other potential locations.

According to transport officials in Indonesia, Indonesia may have new transportation alternatives and seaplanes could provide a different experience in using transportation. It is the only alternative mode of transportation that can combine water and air, which is especially useful for an archipelagic country.

Floating airports as the main support base for seaplane operations also have a number of advantages, including being efficient and environmentally friendly, combining speed and flexibility, reducing dependence on land, serving as a hub for remote areas and reducing air traffic saturation.

Source: https://vov.vn/du-lich/tu-van/indonesia-phat-trien-san-bay-noi-thu-hut-khach-du-lich-nuoc-ngoai-post1103284.vov