Every year, the number of Indonesian tourists visiting South Korea increases and we highly hope that the direct flight would ensure smooth economic relations between Busan and Indonesia.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan met Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don to discuss the possibility of opening direct flights on the Indonesia-Busan route.

The meeting with the Busan mayor is part of a series of Pandjaitan's activities in South Korea to accompany President Joko Widodo during the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit 2019 on Tuesday.

In a written statement released on Wednesday, Mayor Oh urged the Indonesian government to consider opening direct flights linking Indonesia to Busan to cater to the increasing number of tourists.

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"Every year, the number of Indonesian tourists visiting South Korea increases, and we have high hopes that the direct flight would ensure smooth economic relations between Busan and Indonesia," Oh remarked.

Busan also established sister-city cooperation with the Indonesian city of Surabaya. As a city built on the concept of smart city, Busan offers to share experiences with Indonesia that plans to build a new capital city in East Kalimantan, he stated.

Pandjaitan responded warmly to the proposal for opening direct flights connecting Indonesia and Busan. He affirmed that the direct flights will link not only Jakarta to Busan but also Medan and Manado to Busan," he explained.

"Apart from Jakarta, we can also open direct flights from Medan and Madao to Busan," he stated.

The meeting also encompassed discussion pertaining to Busan businessmen's plan to expand their investment in Indonesia. Several Busan investors are currently engaged in the footwear and textile industries.
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Translator: Ade irma Junida/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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