During a meeting in Jakarta on Monday, Sumadi stated that the Indonesian government has intensified infrastructure development in Labuan Bajo.
He expressed hope that the UAE government would establish connectivity to Komodo International Airport.
"In doing so, Labuan Bajo will gain greater popularity and attract more international tourists," he said in a statement from his ministry.
Indonesia and the UAE have been cooperating in the transportation sector, as demonstrated by Etihad Airways, which operates flights from Abu Dhabi to Jakarta and Denpasar, Bali.
The two countries have also signed a codeshare agreement, an aviation business arrangement, expected to enhance connectivity between the UAE and several destinations in Indonesia.
At the meeting, Sumadi also emphasized the importance of broadening the scope of Indonesia-UAE transportation cooperation.
"I would also like to explore the potential for expanding our cooperation beyond the aviation sector," he stated. "Therefore, I invite the UAE to participate in the development of Indonesia's transportation infrastructure."
The Indonesian government has designated 10 locations as priority tourism destinations under the 10 New Balis program, aimed at transforming these locations into world-class tourist destinations.
Labuan Bajo is one of the five regions declared as super-priority tourism destinations.
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Translator: Shofi A, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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