“One of the efforts to boost visits is optimizing Aceh-Penang and Aceh-Kuala Lumpur (routes), and exploring the opening of new routes,” head of the office, Almuniza Kamal, said in Banda Aceh, Aceh, on Saturday.
He made the statement in reference to the high number of tourists from Malaysia traveling to Aceh.
Kamal informed that currently, several airlines are operating flights from Aceh Besar’s Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport to Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
The airlines are Air Asia, which operates ten flights to Kuala Lumpur per week; Firefly, which runs four flights to Penang per week; and Super Air Jet, which has one daily flight to Kuala Lumpur.
“We will optimize the existing flights and improve Aceh’s tourism promotion to Malaysia and others,” he said.
The office is also working to help Aceh’s tourism business players forge business-to-business cooperation with Malaysian travel agents.
“We are optimistic that the various steps that continue to be taken, including improving service standards through tourism human resources training, will attract many tourists to visit Aceh,” he said.
According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the number of foreign tourists visiting Aceh stood at 4,019 in May 2025. They were dominated by Malaysian tourists.
According to the acting head of the Aceh office of BPS, Tasdik Ilhamudin, the number reflected a significant increase of 82 percent compared to April.
He noted that of the 4,019 tourists, 3,319 were from Malaysia.
Translator: M Ifdhal, Raka Adji
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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