Indonesia,Southeast Asia’s largest economy,is setting its sights on a lofty goal: securing a spot among the world’s top 10 airports by 2029. This ambitious target was highlighted during the Airport Service Optimisation Coordination Meeting held in Bali on January 23, 2025.Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, emphasized that achieving this milestone is within reach, citing data from Skytrax, a leading global airport ranking authority.
Currently, Indonesia’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Banten holds the 28th position globally, marking a important leap of 15 places since 2023. Simultaneously occurring, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali has climbed six spots to rank 74th. These improvements reflect Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to enhance its aviation infrastructure and services.To further boost these rankings, Minister Yudhoyono has engaged in high-level discussions with foreign ambassadors, focusing on expanding direct flight routes to Indonesia. Most notably, he met with the British ambassador to advocate for direct flights between London and Jakarta, as well as London and Bali. “This is a crucial step to strengthen bilateral ties and improve connectivity,” Yudhoyono stated.
Earlier, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir underscored the importance of upgrading Indonesia’s airports to remain competitive with regional rivals like Malaysia and Singapore.“The focus should be on Soekarno-Hatta and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airports, as they are the gateways for foreign tourists,” Thohir emphasized. These upgrades aim to create a lasting impression on international travelers, further boosting Indonesia’s tourism sector.
Key Airport Rankings and Progress
Table of Contents
| Airport | Global Rank (2025) | Change As 2023 |
|———————————|————————|———————–|
| Soekarno-Hatta International | 28th | +15 places |
| I Gusti Ngurah Rai International| 74th | +6 places |
Indonesia’s push for global recognition in the aviation sector is not just about rankings. It’s a strategic move to enhance the country’s economic and tourism prospects. By improving airport services and expanding international flight routes, Indonesia aims to solidify its position as a key player in the global aviation industry.
As the nation works toward its 2029 goal, the world will be watching to see if Indonesia can transform its airports into world-class hubs, rivaling the likes of Singapore’s Changi and south Korea’s Incheon. With targeted upgrades and strategic partnerships, the dream of a top 10 ranking may soon become a reality.
Indonesia’s Aviation Ambitions: A Path to Global Recognition
Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, is making significant strides in its aviation sector, aiming to secure a spot among the world’s top 10 airports by 2029. With key upgrades to major airports like Soekarno-Hatta and I Gusti Ngurah Rai, and strategic discussions to expand international flight routes, the country is positioning itself as a global aviation hub. To delve deeper into these developments, we sat down with Dr. Amelia Hartono, an aviation expert and consultant with over 20 years of experience in infrastructure and tourism growth.
Indonesia’s Aviation Goals and Strategic Vision
Senior Editor: Dr. Hartono, Indonesia has set an ambitious goal to rank among the top 10 airports globally by 2029. What do you think makes this goal achievable?
Dr. Amelia Hartono: Indonesia’s goal is ambitious but grounded in strategic planning. The country has already made significant progress, with Soekarno-Hatta International Airport climbing 15 places to 28th globally and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport moving up six spots to 74th. These improvements reflect a concerted effort to modernize infrastructure, enhance passenger services, and expand connectivity.The goverment’s focus on high-level diplomatic discussions, such as Minister Yudhoyono’s talks with the British ambassador to establish direct flights between London and Jakarta or Bali, is a clear indicator of their commitment to boosting international ties and tourism.
key Upgrades and Regional Competitiveness
Senior Editor: Minister erick Thohir emphasized the importance of upgrading Soekarno-Hatta and I Gusti Ngurah Rai airports to compete with regional rivals like Singapore and Malaysia. what specific upgrades are needed to achieve this?
Dr. Amelia Hartono: To compete with regional powerhouses like Singapore’s Changi Airport,Indonesia must focus on both infrastructure and service quality. For Soekarno-Hatta, this means expanding terminal capacity, improving baggage handling systems, and integrating advanced technology for smoother passenger experiences. At I Gusti Ngurah Rai, the focus should be on enhancing its appeal as a tourist gateway, with better retail and dining options, and also eco-amiable initiatives to align with bali’s reputation as a lasting tourism destination. These upgrades will not only improve rankings but also leave a lasting impression on international travelers.
Expanding International Connectivity
Senior Editor: Expanding direct flight routes seems to be a key strategy. How do you see this impacting Indonesia’s tourism and economy?
Dr. Amelia Hartono: direct flights are a game-changer for tourism and economic growth. By establishing routes like London-Jakarta and London-Bali, Indonesia can attract more high-spending tourists from Europe, wich is a lucrative market. Improved connectivity also benefits buisness travelers,fostering trade and investment opportunities. Additionally, these routes strengthen bilateral ties, as Minister Yudhoyono highlighted, creating a win-win situation for both Indonesia and its international partners.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Senior Editor: what challenges do you foresee in achieving the 2029 goal,and how can Indonesia overcome them?
Dr. Amelia Hartono: One of the main challenges is maintaining momentum in infrastructure development while ensuring sustainability. Airports must balance growth with environmental considerations, especially in a country as ecologically diverse as Indonesia. Another challenge is competition from established hubs like Changi and Incheon. To overcome this, Indonesia must focus on unique selling points, such as its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, to differentiate itself. Strategic partnerships with global airlines and consistent investment in technology will also be crucial.
Conclusion: A Promising future for Indonesian Aviation
Senior Editor: Thank you,Dr. Hartono, for your insights. It’s clear that Indonesia’s aviation sector is on an upward trajectory, with a clear vision and strategic initiatives in place. As the country works towards its 2029 goal, the world will undoubtedly be watching to see if it can transform its airports into world-class hubs.
Dr.Amelia Hartono: Absolutely. Indonesia’s progress so far is commendable, and with continued focus and collaboration, the dream of a top 10 ranking is well within reach. The potential for economic and tourism growth is immense,and I’m excited to see how the country’s aviation sector evolves in the coming years.
