The highly anticipated regular international flight route connecting Singapore to the Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on Belitung Island has officially commenced. Scoot, the renowned low-cost carrier (LCC) under the Singapore Airlines Group, successfully completed its inaugural landing at this priority Indonesian tourist destination on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Scoot now offers direct flights from Singapore’s Changi Airport, one of Southeast Asia’s busiest aviation hubs, to Belitung twice a week. Daniel Alexander Napitupulu, Director of the Tanjung Kelayang SEZ, affirmed the success of this maiden flight, noting that cabin occupancy was predominantly comprised of international tourists hailing from Singapore.
Daniel Alexander Napitupulu elaborated that the establishment of this vital connectivity is robustly supported by a range of world-class facilities designed to cater to international visitors. “Belitung has previously hosted ministerial-level G20 and ASEAN meetings, alongside numerous other international events. Its tourism ecosystem infrastructure is exceptionally well-prepared and meets international standards,” he stated during a remote interview via a messaging application on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Daniel further highlighted that the Tanjung Kelayang SEZ‘s appeal extends far beyond domestic tourists. The region is attracting a significant number of international travelers, with the largest contingents originating from Singapore, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Korea, Australia, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom, showcasing its broad global recognition.
Beyond its allure to tourists, the tourism sector within the Tanjung Kelayang SEZ is a crucial contributor to the nation’s foreign exchange earnings. Unlike the more intricate and time-consuming foreign exchange flows from the industrial sector, tourism-generated funds directly and rapidly penetrate local economies, reaching individuals through a remarkably short and efficient process chain.
In addition to boosting national foreign exchange, the inauguration of this flight route is poised to significantly stimulate the local economy. Daniel emphasized that the government actively encourages collaborative initiatives within the Tanjung Kelayang SEZ that involve local communities. He cited examples such as “Afternoon Tea with the Arsel Community and honey cultivation with the Pelabo Community,” illustrating tangible efforts to foster inclusive economic growth.
The government is also proactively urging businesses to partner with local transportation providers and invest in enhancing the quality of human resources to better support the burgeoning local tourism industry. Furthermore, the Tanjun Kelayang SEZ is forging active collaborations with local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) like Batik Sepiak and BICA Ceramics, integrating their products and services into the visitor experience programs offered within the SEZ.
Amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East, Daniel stressed that the Tanjung Kelayang SEZ continues to work in close synergy with the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Tourism, and local government bodies. These concerted efforts are aimed at establishing even more international regional flights, further strengthening Belitung’s global connectivity, particularly with partners like Scoot.
“Today, one by one, the future of tourism, which serves as a powerful engine for economic growth and a vital job creator, is becoming a reality,” Daniel declared. He powerfully concluded that the return of international flights signifies far more than just a plane touching down; it marks the spectacular global takeoff of Belitung’s economy.
As per the official website of the National Council for SEZs, the establishment of the Tanjung Kelayang SEZ was formalized through Government Regulation Number 6 of 2016. This tourism-focused SEZ boasts a significant geostrategic advantage, being strategically located between Indonesia and ASEAN nations, which represents a substantial captive market. Inaugurated by Indonesia’s 7th President, Joko Widodo, on March 14, 2019, the Tanjung Kelayang SEZ is proudly counted among the nation’s 10 priority tourism destinations.
Summary
Scoot, a low-cost carrier under the Singapore Airlines Group, has officially launched direct international flights between Singapore and the Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone on Belitung Island. Operating twice a week, this new route aims to boost tourism by connecting the island to one of Southeast Asia’s major aviation hubs. The inaugural flight saw strong passenger occupancy, signaling the region’s growing appeal to a diverse international market.
This connectivity is supported by Belitung’s well-developed infrastructure, which has previously hosted major international events like G20 and ASEAN meetings. Beyond tourism, the initiative is designed to stimulate the local economy by creating jobs and integrating local communities and MSMEs into the tourism value chain. The government continues to collaborate with various ministries to expand regional flight options and strengthen Belitung’s position as a premier global tourist destination.