The governments of Indonesia and Turkey recently committed to enhancing their civil-aviation cooperation to bolster connectivity and stimulate tourism and trade. During a bilateral meeting in Istanbul from October 22-23, the Indonesian delegation, headed by the Air Transport Director of the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation, signed two key documents — a record of discussion and an implementing arrangement — which lay the groundwork for deeper aviation collaboration between the two countries. This meeting follows a February agreement between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan under their High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
Under the agreement, Indonesia will open new direct routes from Turkey to cities including Yogyakarta, Majalengka, Manado, Medan, Balikpapan, Sorong, Kediri and Lombok, in addition to the already existing Jakarta and Denpasar links. In turn, Turkey will allow flights from Indonesia to two additional Turkish destinations — Izmir and Bodrum — alongside Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya. The weekly flight quota between the two countries will also increase from 14 to 32 under third- and fourth-freedom rights. Further measures include enabling codeshare arrangements and allowing airlines to use previously unused flight frequencies or seat capacities, promoting operational flexibility. Turkey has also pledged cooperation in recruiting Indonesian pilots and cabin crew, in aircraft maintenance, and in promoting Indonesian tourism.
