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PALU, August 20, 2026 — The launch of an international flight route connecting Mutiara Sis Aljufri Airport in Palu with China is seen as a strategic opportunity for Central Sulawesi to strengthen connectivity and gain wider access to global markets, particularly in tourism, trade, and the export of the province’s leading commodities.

Chairman of the Central Sulawesi Provincial Leadership Council of the Indonesian Employers Association (DPP APINDO), Wijaya Chandra, who also serves as Chairman of the Central Sulawesi chapter of the Indonesian Chinese Association (PSMTI), said the opening of the international route could provide significant opportunities to accelerate economic growth in the province.

According to Wijaya, the direct Palu–China flight route should be maximized and should not be limited to a ceremonial launch. It needs to be supported by effective marketing and promotional strategies to ensure that the public, business community, and potential international visitors are aware that Palu now has direct international air connectivity.

“APINDO and PSMTI are ready to support and continue promoting the availability of this international flight route to the public and the business community,” Wijaya, who is also widely known as Ko Awi, told RRI.CO.ID after appearing as a speaker at an off-studio dialogue at Millennium Water Park Hall on Thursday (August 20, 2026).

Beyond connectivity, Wijaya highlighted the need to strengthen supporting sectors, particularly tourism. He said the availability of restaurants offering Chinese cuisine, including those employing chefs from China, would help provide greater comfort for Chinese tourists visiting Palu.

“Service readiness must also be improved, including foreign-language skills, particularly Mandarin and English. Some personnel at Mutiara Sis Aljufri Airport should also have basic Mandarin-language skills so they can provide better services, particularly to visitors from China,” he said.

He also called on the regional government, particularly through the Tourism Office, to prepare promotional materials such as booklets, flyers, and other tourism information in at least three languages: Indonesian, Mandarin, and English.

Such materials, he said, would help international visitors not only become aware of the new international flight connection, but also gain information about the various tourism destinations and economic potential available across Central Sulawesi.

From a trade perspective, the international flight route is also expected to create new opportunities for Central Sulawesi products to enter the Chinese market more directly.

Several commodities, including durian, edible bird’s nests, sea cucumbers, seafood, and fresh fish, are considered to have strong market potential in China.

However, Wijaya stressed that these opportunities must be accompanied by clear regulations and an effective trade system to ensure that local businesses are able to take full advantage of the new international connectivity.

He also urged the Central Sulawesi provincial government to develop stronger market networks and promote local products so that the province’s leading commodities can reach broader domestic and international markets.

“The international flight route should not only be used to bring in tourists and investors. The Central Sulawesi provincial government should also build local market networks to promote the province’s leading products and support economic growth across the region,” he said.

Wijaya emphasized that the Palu–China international flight route should generate a tangible multiplier effect for the regional economy.

Increased international tourist arrivals could stimulate growth in hotels, restaurants, transportation services, MSMEs, creative industries, and other supporting sectors. At the same time, improved connectivity could facilitate trade, investment, and the expansion of local businesses into international markets.

“The Palu–China international flight route is expected to create a multiplier effect across the regional economy, ranging from tourism, trade, culinary businesses, and transportation services. In this way, it can help drive economic activity among local communities,” he said.

APINDO Central Sulawesi views international air connectivity not merely as a transportation facility, but as an important component of the region’s economic infrastructure.

Therefore, maximizing the Palu–China route will require close collaboration among the government, business community, tourism sector, trade associations, and other stakeholders to build an integrated ecosystem covering tourism promotion, human resource development, logistics, trade, investment, and business partnerships.

With strong cross-sector collaboration, the international flight route is expected to become a catalyst for expanding markets, strengthening regional competitiveness, attracting investment, and driving inclusive economic growth that delivers tangible benefits to the people of Central Sulawesi.

Source: rri.co.id