Travel.detik.com reports that Sandiaga Uno, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy, has held talks with Vivian Balakrishna, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Singapore, encouraging the resumption of Singapore to Bali flights by Singapore Airlines.
Following a short meeting between Balakrishna and Sandiaga held at the Tourism Minister’s Official Residence in Jakarta on Thursday, 25 March 2021, Sandiaga described Singapore Airlines as a large company that identifies opportunities and operates with its own business motives. He acknowledged the rumor circulating that Singapore Airlines (SQ) is considering resuming service to Bali in May. But he admitted that any resumption of service will depend on COVID-19 conditions in both Singapore and Bali and will require careful preparations before flights can resume.
Refusing to confirm any rumors, Sandiaga said their existence is a good signal for recovering Bali tourism. He said that any resumption of flights between Singapore and Bali would represent a refreshing wind for Bali tourism.
While the final decision rests with SQ, Sandiaga envisions the airline soon operating 1 or 2 daily flights from Singapore to Bali.
Regarding the Travel Arrangement Corridor or the RI-Singapore travel bubble, Sandiaga said that the two countries were still in the finalization stage. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi still controls the creation of any special travel channels with other countries.
Regarding the Travel Arrangement Corridor or the RI-Singapore travel bubble, Sandiaga said that the two countries were still finalizing arrangements on the creating of a travel corridor, with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi having the final say in such matters.
Only if a travel bubble between the two countries can be created will Singapore tourists have two Bali-bound travel options.
“We see two potentials – the first is work from Bali as a destination. We are currently mapping the potentials of professionals based in Singapore working from Bali,” Sandiaga explained.
“The second is related to meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). This is what we are mapping. Hopefully, we can see the potential,” he added.