Enhancing Connectivity and Tourism Between Singapore and Indonesia
In a strategic move to bolster tourism and strengthen bilateral ties, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has entered into a one-year Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with Garuda Indonesia and Changi Airport Group. This collaboration aims to enhance air connectivity and promote two-way tourism between Singapore and Indonesia.
The partnership focuses on targeted campaigns, joint marketing efforts, and the introduction of new travel offerings, such as Fly-Cruise packages to Singapore. These initiatives are designed to attract more Indonesian tourists to Singapore and vice versa, enriching the travel experience for passengers of both nations.
Signatories of the Memorandum
The MOC was signed by Terrence Voon, Executive Director for Southeast Asia at STB; Naufal Aflah, Corporate & Channel Group Head at Garuda Indonesia; and Peh Ke-Wei, Vice President of Market Development at Changi Airport Group. The signing ceremony took place at Hotel Kempinski in Jakarta.
Indonesia’s Growing Tourism Market
Terrence Voon highlighted Indonesia’s strong performance as a key source market for tourists in 2024, with expectations for continued growth in 2025. He emphasized that this inaugural tripartite partnership underscores the importance of tourism and air connectivity between the two countries and STB’s commitment to collaborative efforts for mutual benefit.
Garuda Indonesia’s Commitment to Excellence
Ade R. Susardi, Commercial Director of Garuda Indonesia, expressed that the collaboration reaffirms their joint commitment to revitalizing regional travel and strengthening tourism and cultural relations between the neighboring countries. He noted that the partnership enhances efforts to provide superior passenger services, especially for those seeking to enjoy Singapore, one of the most popular destinations among Indonesian tourists.
Expanded Flight Services
Garuda Indonesia currently operates 41 weekly flights on the Jakarta-Singapore route, including two additional daily flights added in December 2024. The airline also offers flights to Singapore from other Indonesian cities, with seven weekly flights from Bali and seven from Surabaya, totaling 55 weekly flights to Singapore from various points in Indonesia.
Changi Airport Group’s Role
Peh Ke-Wei of Changi Airport Group noted that in 2024, Indonesia remained one of their top markets, with over 7.3 million air passenger movements between Singapore and Indonesia. He expressed enthusiasm about partnering with STB and Garuda Indonesia to enhance travel and strengthen connectivity between the two nations, as well as showcasing Indonesia’s rich culture and heritage to Singapore residents.
Deepening Bilateral Relations
Terrence Voon added that Indonesia and Singapore have long-standing relations, reinforced by mutually beneficial tourism cooperation. Through this collaboration, they aim to provide seamless travel options and experiences that celebrate the uniqueness of both destinations for travelers.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Plans
In January 2025, STB signed its first strategic partnership with Gojek to enhance the travel experience in Singapore for its users. In 2025, STB plans to continue strengthening Singapore’s position as a convenient and attractive destination for Indonesian tourists to enjoy quality vacations with their loved ones. STB will reach out to new segments, such as sports communities, and expand efforts in cities beyond Jakarta. This expansion is supported by increased air connectivity to Singapore, including new routes from Padang (West Sumatra) and Kertajati (West Java).
This tripartite partnership between STB, Garuda Indonesia, and Changi Airport Group marks a significant step in enhancing tourism and connectivity between Singapore and Indonesia. By leveraging their combined strengths, the collaboration aims to create meaningful experiences for travelers and foster closer ties between the two nations.
Sources: Kontan (2025), MSN (2025)
Keywords: Singapore Tourism, Garuda Indonesia, Changi Airport, Indonesia-Singapore Partnership, Fly-Cruise Packages
