Tourism ministry supports sustainable marine tourism, investment, and regional economic growth in Sumbawa.

Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to developing the Samota Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, into a world-class marine tourism destination to drive sustainable economic growth.

Indonesia’s Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Luh Puspa described the Samota SEZ as a strategic national tourism asset that combines marine attractions, conservation areas, and local cultural heritage within an integrated tourism ecosystem. Speaking during a meeting on July 24, she said the ministry will continue improving the investment climate by streamlining licensing procedures, upgrading tourism infrastructure, strengthening the tourism workforce, and promoting the SEZ to investors.

The Indonesian government envisions the Samota SEZ as a catalyst for the blue, green, circular, and creative economies. Beyond tourism, the development is expected to strengthen fisheries, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), livestock farming, and agro-industry, creating a more integrated regional economy.

Ms. Puspa also highlighted the area’s accessibility through Indonesia’s Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin Airport and Pototano Port, which strengthen connectivity between Sumbawa and Lombok and serve as key gateways for domestic and international visitors. The ministry expects improved connectivity to help attract more visitors and investment.

The initiative builds on positive tourism momentum in West Nusa Tenggara. Between January and October 2025, Sumbawa and Dompu districts welcomed more than one million visitors combined. The ministry also expects the Samota SEZ to attract more international travelers arriving through Indonesia’s Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport in Lombok, particularly from Malaysia, Singapore, China, the United Kingdom, and France.

With continued government support, the Samota Special Economic Zone is expected to strengthen Sumbawa’s profile as a leading marine tourism destination while delivering lasting economic benefits for local communities across West Nusa Tenggara.

Source: ANTARA News

Renewed education MoU advances AI, digital learning, and educator development

Indonesia and Singapore are strengthening their education partnership through a renewed commitment to artificial intelligence (AI), digital learning, and educator development, marking a new chapter in bilateral education cooperation ahead of the countries’ 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

During a meeting in Singapore, Indonesian Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti and Singaporean Minister for Education Desmond Lee agreed to renew the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on education, first signed in 2017. The updated agreement is expected to support closer collaboration in AI, education technology, and skills development while responding to evolving global and regional priorities.

Minister Mu’ti highlighted Indonesia’s challenge of providing quality education across an archipelago of more than 50 million students, many of whom live in remote communities. In line with President Prabowo Subianto’s education agenda, Indonesia is expanding technology-enabled distance learning to improve access to education and reduce regional disparities.

Minister Mu’ti said internet connectivity and AI could help bridge learning gaps, while emphasising that technology should complement, not replace, critical thinking, cultural understanding, and human judgment. He also invited greater collaboration with Temasek and Singapore-based companies operating in Indonesia to support education initiatives, particularly in Sumatra, and help address learning loss. The ministers also discussed strengthening the competencies of Indonesian educators and migrant workers to enhance professional development.

Minister Lee said the renewed education MoU reflects significant advances in technology, AI, and changing global priorities since the agreement was signed in 2017. He added that the updated framework would create a more adaptive and future-oriented foundation for Indonesia-Singapore education cooperation.

The ministers also discussed the future of the Indonesian School of Singapore, whose current site lease expires in April 2027. As both countries prepare to commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, the renewed education partnership is expected to deepen collaboration in AI, digital innovation, and inclusive learning, benefiting students, educators, and future generations in both countries.

Source: ANTARA News

Merger aims to build a stronger national airline and improve connectivity across Indonesia

Indonesia is advancing plans to merge PT Pertamina’s subsidiary Pelita Air into national flag carrier PT Garuda Indonesia, a move aimed at strengthening Indonesia’s aviation sector, improving connectivity across the archipelago, and creating a more competitive national airline.

The proposal, led by Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund Danantara Indonesia and the State-Owned Enterprise Management Agency (BP BUMN), will establish Garuda Indonesia as the country’s airline holding company, with Pelita Air becoming part of the Garuda Indonesia Group.

BP BUMN Head and Danantara Indonesia Chief Operating Officer Dony Oskaria said the consolidation is intended to strengthen Indonesia’s national airline by enabling faster decision-making in the aviation industry, where profitability and operational precision require constant monitoring. He also called for improvements across the passenger journey, including integrated ticketing systems, airport lounges, in-flight services and catering, loyalty programmes, and human resource development.

Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), welcomed the proposal, saying a stronger Garuda Indonesia Group would enhance connectivity across Indonesia’s vast archipelago while supporting the growth of the country’s aerospace and aviation industry. He added that expanding aviation capacity could help lower air transportation costs and strengthen the broader aerospace ecosystem.

The merger forms part of President Prabowo Subianto’s wider state-owned enterprise reform programme, which aims to streamline government-owned companies through mergers and consolidation to improve efficiency and competitiveness.

As the integration progresses, the government expects the Garuda Indonesia Group to strengthen its regional competitiveness, enhance passenger services, and become the preferred airline for Indonesian travellers.

Source: ANTARA News

Indonesia expands mangrove restoration through government, business and community collaboration

Indonesia is accelerating mangrove restoration efforts by encouraging stronger collaboration between the government, businesses and local communities to strengthen climate resilience, protect coastal ecosystems, enhance food security and support sustainable economic growth.

Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Environment, Mr Diaz Hendropriyono, called on the private sector to participate in tree and mangrove planting programmes, stressing that restoring Indonesia’s shrinking mangrove forests is essential for improving air quality and mitigating the impacts of climate change. He noted that Indonesia’s mangrove area has declined significantly over the years, underscoring the urgency of large-scale rehabilitation, while recurring El Niño conditions could contribute to poorer air quality and higher pollution levels.

Beyond improving environmental resilience, mangrove restoration is also vital to safeguarding Indonesia’s fisheries and long-term food security. Speaking during the World Mangrove Day 2026 commemoration in Bali, Indonesia’s Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Mr Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, said rehabilitation efforts must restore ecosystem functions rather than focus solely on planting trees. Indonesia is home to around 23 percent of the world’s mangrove ecosystems, yet approximately 40 percent of its mangrove forests have been lost over the past three decades, with nearly one-fifth now classified as being in critical condition.

To address these challenges, the Indonesian government is advancing mangrove restoration as part of its blue economy strategy, targeting the expansion of marine conservation areas to 97.5 million hectares by 2045. It is also revitalising 14,000 hectares of unproductive ponds along Java’s northern coast to integrate ecosystem restoration with sustainable aquaculture, job creation and national food security.

Achieving these ambitions will require sustained collaboration with the private sector and local communities. The Indonesian Forest Concession Holders Association (APHI) has pledged to support long-term mangrove management. APHI Chairman Mr Soewarso said rehabilitation success should be measured not only by the number of trees planted but also by ecosystem recovery, plant survival rates and improved livelihoods for coastal communities.

The Ministry of Forestry has also reported measurable progress under its rehabilitation programme. Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Forestry, Mr Rohmat Marzuki, said the ministry and its partners rehabilitated 91,678 hectares of mangroves by the end of 2025 and aim to restore more than 17,000 hectares in 2026. With continued collaboration among government agencies, businesses, development partners and coastal communities, Indonesia aims to accelerate mangrove restoration while strengthening climate resilience, protecting biodiversity, supporting sustainable fisheries and improving coastal livelihoods for future generations.

Source: ANTARA News

International specialists advance neurocritical care collaboration in Indonesia

Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province reaffirmed its commitment to advancing healthcare through international collaboration with the opening of the 9th International Joint Symposium Indonesia–Singapore Neuroanaesthesia and Neurocritical Care at Aruna Senggigi Resort & Convention, Lombok.

The symposium was officially opened on behalf of Dr. H. Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, by Dr. Lalu Hamzi Fikri, Head of the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Health Office.

In a message delivered by Dr. Fikri, Governor Iqbal expressed appreciation to the Indonesian Society of Neuroanesthesia and Critical Care (INA-SNACC), Indonesia, and its international partners for selecting Lombok as the host of the scientific forum.

“This forum is not merely a platform for sharing knowledge but also a strategic opportunity to strengthen international collaboration in delivering better healthcare services for our communities,” the Governor said.

Held under the theme “One Team, One Brain: Building Excellence in Collaboration for Better Outcomes,” the symposium brings together neuroanaesthesia and neurocritical care specialists from Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, India, ºÚÁÏÉç, and several other countries to exchange research findings, clinical experience, best practices, and the latest advances in neuroanaesthesia and neurocritical care.

The West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government said developing skilled healthcare professionals, strengthening referral hospitals, and expanding partnerships with national and international institutions remain key priorities in improving the quality, accessibility, and competitiveness of healthcare services across the province.

Beyond its scientific programme, the symposium reinforces Lombok’s growing reputation as a destination for healthcare conferences and medical meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), bringing together healthcare, education, and tourism. The event is also expected to generate positive economic benefits by supporting the hospitality, transportation, culinary, creative economy, and tourism sectors.

Governor Iqbal expressed hope that the symposium would strengthen international collaboration, encourage innovation, and foster lasting professional networks in neuroanaesthesia and neurocritical care. He said the forum reflects West Nusa Tenggara’s growing role as a host for international medical conferences while contributing to better healthcare services across Indonesia and the wider region.

Source: West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government

The US-ASEAN Business Council’s 2026 Digital Economy Mission brought leading technology companies to Jakarta for high-level discussions with Indonesian policymakers, reinforcing public-private collaboration on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and regulatory development.

The US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Indonesia’s digital transformation during its 2026 Digital Economy Mission, held in Jakarta from 21 to 22 July. The mission convened senior government officials and representatives from leading global technology companies to strengthen dialogue on Indonesia’s digital economy priorities and explore opportunities for deeper public-private collaboration as the country advances its ambition to become a regional digital hub.

As part of the programme, USABC hosted a dinner dialogue with Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Mr. Nezar Patria, to discuss the country’s information and communications technology (ICT) priorities and the role of industry in accelerating digital development. The delegation also participated in an inter-ministerial dialogue involving senior officials from the Ministry of National Development Planning, the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, and the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs. The discussions highlighted the importance of a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to modernising Indonesia’s digital economy and identified areas for continued cooperation.

The mission further included bilateral meetings with key Indonesian institutions, including the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, Bank Indonesia, the Financial Services Authority (OJK), the Ministry of Industry, and the United States Embassy in Jakarta. Discussions focused on several strategic issues shaping Indonesia’s digital future, including trusted artificial intelligence ecosystems, cybersecurity resilience, online safety, secure digital infrastructure, connectivity, and cross-border data flows.

Mario Masaya, USABC Vice President for Research, Technology and Financial Services, said Indonesia is among the world’s fastest-growing digital economies, with current regulatory reforms expected to shape the country’s digital landscape for years to come. He noted that widespread adoption of trusted digital technologies across businesses and government institutions will be essential to unlocking the sector’s potential, with Indonesia’s digital economy projected to expand from approximately US$100 billion to as much as US$360 billion by 2030.

Echoing this commitment, Mr. Seow Hiong Goh, Chair of USABC’s ICT Committee and Executive Director of Global Policy & Government Affairs for the Asia Pacific region at Cisco Systems, emphasised the importance of sustained engagement between government and industry. She said collaboration on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital connectivity will help establish a secure and resilient digital ecosystem that supports Indonesia’s long-term economic growth. The delegation comprised representatives from nine companies, including Airbnb, Amazon, Cisco Systems, Mastercard Indonesia, Oracle, Salesforce, SAP, and Vriens & Partners Pte Ltd, demonstrating continued private sector support for Indonesia’s digital ambitions.

Source: US-ASEAN Business Council

Bandung airport prepares to restore jet operations

Indonesia’s Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung has attracted applications from six airlines ahead of its planned reopening for jet operations in August 2026, signalling renewed confidence in the airport as it prepares to restore domestic and regional connectivity.

Indonesia’s airport operator InJourney Airports said the applicants are Indonesia’s Citilink, Garuda Indonesia, Super Air Jet, TransNusa and Wings Air, together with Singapore’s Scoot. Collectively, the proposed services would reconnect Bandung with major cities across Indonesia while restoring regional links to Singapore and Malaysia.

The proposed route network reflects both domestic and international demand. Citilink plans services to Kualanamu, Denpasar and Surabaya, while Super Air Jet has applied to operate flights to Kualanamu, Denpasar, Pekanbaru, Makassar, Batam, Padang, Balikpapan and Pontianak. Garuda Indonesia has proposed flights to Denpasar, while Wings Air plans to serve Lampung and Palembang. TransNusa has applied to launch regional international services to Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru alongside domestic flights to Lampung, while Singapore’s Scoot has proposed direct flights between Singapore and Bandung.

As airlines prepare to launch services, InJourney Airports will allocate flight slots based on Husein Sastranegara Airport’s operational capacity. The airport operator expects the reopening to strengthen connectivity for Bandung and West Java while supporting tourism, trade, investment and broader regional economic growth.

The operational restart follows Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation decision to bring forward the airport’s reopening to August from the previously announced September schedule. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said permits have been prepared for up to 24 domestic routes while regional international services are also being facilitated. Authorities are now prioritising safety inspections and infrastructure readiness before commercial operations resume.

Meanwhile, the Bandung City Government is upgrading roads, public spaces and gateway infrastructure surrounding Bandung Airport to improve the arrival experience. With airline interest growing, infrastructure nearing completion and government support aligned, Husein Sastranegara Airport is poised to strengthen Indonesia’s domestic and regional aviation network while creating new opportunities for tourism, business and investment across West Java.

Source: ANTARA News

Hydrogen investment accelerates Indonesia’s clean energy transition and transport ambitions

Indonesia is accelerating the development of a green hydrogen ecosystem to strengthen energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and position the country as a future hydrogen hub in Asia. The initiative forms part of the Indonesian government’s broader clean energy transition strategy and long-term goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency.

Speaking at the Global Hydrogen Ecosystem Summit & Exhibition (GHES) 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, said hydrogen-powered vehicles could compete with battery electric vehicles (EVs) within the next five to 10 years as production costs decline and hydrogen technology matures.

A key pillar of the strategy is producing green hydrogen using renewable electricity from Indonesia’s planned 100-gigawatt (GW) solar power expansion. Excess electricity generated during periods of low grid demand can be converted into hydrogen, improving renewable energy utilization while reducing reliance on battery storage.

Minister Bahlil said geopolitical uncertainty, tighter global oil supplies, and rising energy demand could make hydrogen increasingly cost-competitive with conventional fuels while reducing Indonesia’s dependence on imported fossil energy.

To support commercial deployment, Indonesia’s state-owned electricity company PT PLN (Persero) and Indonesia’s state-owned energy company PT Pertamina (Persero) have established hydrogen refueling stations and are preparing hydrogen-powered public transport. President Director of PT PLN (Persero), Darmawan Prasodjo, said the company produces around 200 tons of hydrogen annually, of which only 75 tons are used internally, leaving significant surplus capacity for transportation and industrial applications.

Meanwhile, Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation at Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Eniya Listiani Dewi, said the ministry is overseeing 93 hydrogen ecosystem projects worth Rp32 trillion (approximately US$2.05 billion), covering hydrogen production, storage, refueling infrastructure, and pilot transportation projects. The government has also launched Indonesia’s first Hydrogen Diesel Dual Fuel (H2 DDF) bus demonstration with state-owned operator Perum DAMRI.

Indonesia is also developing a 194-kilometer Green Hydrogen Corridor connecting Jakarta, Karawang, and Patimban to integrate hydrogen production, logistics, refueling stations, ports, and industrial estates into a unified low-carbon supply chain.

Beyond green hydrogen, the government is exploring naturally occurring white hydrogen, with Central Sulawesi identified as a priority exploration area. Supported by expanding infrastructure, national policy, and growing regional demand, Indonesia aims to become a leading producer, trading hub, and innovation center for hydrogen in Asia while advancing its 2060 net-zero emissions target.

Source: ANTARA News

New digital corridor powers AI, cloud, and data centre growth.

Indonesia and Singapore have strengthened their digital partnership with the inauguration of the Nongsa–Changi Cable (NCC), a new international subsea cable expected to expand digital infrastructure, support data centre growth, and enhance cross-border connectivity between the two countries.

The inauguration was attended by Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, Gan Kim Yong, and leaders from the digital industry.

Describing the project as a key milestone in Indonesia’s digital transformation, Mr Airlangga said the country’s growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation requires faster, more resilient digital infrastructure.

“We are navigating a rapidly evolving industry driven by data and automation. We are also entering the AI era, which requires high-speed connectivity. Through NCC, capacity reaches 1.6 petabits per second with latency below two milliseconds,” Mr Airlangga said.

Developed by Telin and BW Digital, the 50-kilometre Nongsa–Changi Cable delivers up to 1.6 petabits per second of capacity with latency of less than two milliseconds. The new digital corridor is expected to support data centres, cloud computing, AI applications, and other high-bandwidth digital services, while strengthening Batam’s position as an emerging digital gateway. Nongsa Digital Park currently has up to 120 megawatts of power capacity to support data centre operations, with further expansion planned.

Highlighting the project’s regional significance, Mr Gan said stronger digital cooperation between Indonesia and Singapore would create new opportunities for both countries and the wider ASEAN region.

“This will open up more opportunities for both countries and for ASEAN. We will continue to explore other sectors that can be developed through Indonesia-Singapore collaboration,” Mr Gan said.

Industry leaders also welcomed the milestone. Mr Mike Wiluan, Chief Executive Officer of Nongsa Digital Park, said the cable would attract new technology investments and help develop digital talent in Batam, while Ms Dian Siswarini, President Director of Telkom Indonesia, said the project strengthens Indonesia’s digital connectivity through the shortest route between Batam and Singapore. Together, the new digital corridor is expected to accelerate innovation, attract investment, and reinforce Indonesia and Singapore’s shared ambition to advance Southeast Asia’s fast-growing digital economy.

Source: ANTARA News

Exhibition showcases 7,000 orchids and Indonesian culture at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore.

Indonesia x Singapore Orchid Extravaganza: Rhythm of the Rainforest is taking place at Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome from 4 July to 10 August 2026, bringing Indonesia’s biodiversity, cultural heritage and creative industries to one of Singapore’s most visited attractions as part of MASA Singapore 2026.

Presented by Gardens by the Bay in collaboration with Indonesia’s Ministry of Creative Economy and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore, the exhibition transforms the Flower Dome into an immersive journey through Indonesia’s landscapes, traditions and artistic excellence.

The exhibition features more than 7,000 orchids, including Indonesia’s national flower, the moon orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis), the ground orchid (Spathoglottis plicata), and the world’s largest orchid species (Grammatophyllum speciosum). More than 30 large-scale art installations, inspired by eight regions across the Indonesian archipelago, showcase the country’s biodiversity and cultural diversity.

Visitors to Gardens by the Bay can explore recreations of traditional Sumbanese houses, Balinese Meru towers and the iconic candi bentar gateway. Larger-than-life woven sculptures created using the traditional anyaman technique with coconut leaves and bamboo were handcrafted by 27 Balinese artisans over more than 900 hours, celebrating Indonesia’s wildlife, folklore and craftsmanship.

Speaking at the exhibition’s opening on 4 July 2026, Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar said Indonesia x Singapore Orchid Extravaganza: Rhythm of the Rainforest introduces Indonesia through creativity, showcasing the country’s cultural traditions, biodiversity and regional heritage to international audiences.

The exhibition reflects the growing cultural partnership between Indonesia and Singapore through MASA Singapore 2026, providing a platform to showcase Indonesia’s creative industries, biodiversity and cultural heritage to international audiences. It also demonstrates how collaborations between public institutions and creative communities can strengthen people-to-people connections through art and culture.

Beyond the floral displays, visitors can enjoy free cultural programmes on 4 July and 25–26 July 2026, including the Sirna Kala ceremonial dance, Javanese calligraphy workshops and interactive wayang kulit shadow puppetry experiences. Admission to these programmes is free with entry to the Flower Dome.

The exhibition is further enriched by contributions from Indonesian artists, creators and institutions, including Make a Scene, Pagelaran Sabang Merauke, Mortier x Jerhemy Owen, Erika Richardo, Addie MS, and Universitas Dian Nuswantoro’s Electronic Gamelan project, highlighting the breadth of Indonesia’s creative ecosystem.

For residents and tourists looking for things to do in Singapore during July and August 2026, Indonesia x Singapore Orchid Extravaganza: Rhythm of the Rainforest offers an opportunity to experience Indonesia’s orchids, traditional arts and contemporary creativity at Gardens by the Bay. Running until 10 August 2026, the exhibition highlights how culture, biodiversity and creative innovation can strengthen Indonesia-Singapore ties while introducing Indonesia’s artistic and natural heritage to visitors from around the world.

Source: INDiplomacy Desk