Year: 2026

Posts published in this period.

88 posts
News Direct Flight Connectivity Between Bali and Sumba Increases Major domestic carriers have increased daily flight frequencies between Bali (DPS) and Tambolaka (TMC) to capitalize on the rise of "island hopping" itineraries. This adjustment allows travelers to connect seamlessly through Bali's international hub, reducing wait times and encouraging longer, dual-destination holidays. Peter Staff Writer News Ministry of Tourism Announces “Green Sumba” Initiative The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy launched the "Green Sumba" initiative, aimed at certifying resorts and homestays that utilize renewable energy and plastic-free operations. This policy follows a record-breaking influx of visitors and aims to preserve Sumba's landscape as a leader in sustainable, high-value tourism. Peter Staff Writer Sandalwood Ponies – Unlikely Residents of Sumba Travel Journal Sandalwood Ponies – Unlikely Residents of Sumba If you wish to understand Sumba’s culture, you must understand the Sandalwood Pony. These small and hardy equines remain the… Mary Aksenova Staff Writer News Operation Ketupat 2026 Concludes with Record-Breaking Traffic The Indonesian National Police officially concluded "Operation Ketupat 2026," reporting the highest homebound travel volume in the nation's history. Over 270,000 vehicles were recorded during the peak period alone, representing a nearly 5% increase from the previous year. Authorities credited nationwide one-way schemes and enhanced digital monitoring for maintaining a 30% decrease in fatal road accidents despite the unprecedented surge in travelers. Enes Gençtürk Staff Writer News InJourney Airports Deploys 784 Extra Flights for Eid Return Flow State-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura (InJourney Airports) has activated nearly 800 additional flight slots to accommodate the "Arus Balik" (return flow) of the holiday season. The strategy focuses on major hubs including Jakarta, Bali, and Kupang, ensuring that domestic tourists—including those returning from remote destinations like Sumba—have sufficient connectivity as the peak travel window concludes. Enes Gençtürk Staff Writer News National Fuel Reserves Guaranteed Secure for Late-March Travel The Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) confirmed that national fuel supplies remained stable and well-distributed throughout the final week of March. With several gas stations in transit corridors operating 24 hours a day, the government successfully mitigated the risk of shortages during the peak holiday travel period, supporting the mobility of millions of travelers across the archipelago. Enes Gençtürk Staff Writer News Sumba Airport Expansion: Lede Kalumbang Targeted for International Jets New infrastructure reports indicate that the Indonesian government has fast-tracked the expansion of Lede Kalumbang Airport (TMC) in Southwest Sumba. The project aims to extend the runway to 2,500 meters to accommodate larger Boeing 737 jets and potential direct international charters from Australia and Singapore. This move is expected to significantly increase land value in the "Golden Triangle" region near the island's luxury resorts. Enes Gençtürk Staff Writer News Indonesia Pivots Global Tourism Strategy Toward Asia-Pacific Markets In response to geopolitical uncertainties in other regions, the Ministry of Tourism has officially shifted its primary promotional focus toward stable Asia-Pacific markets, specifically targeting Australia, India, and Southeast Asia. The "Resilient Indonesia" campaign emphasizes the safety and stability of the country, promoting long-stay "soulful" experiences in Sumba and wellness retreats in Bali to high-spending travelers from neighboring nations. Enes Gençtürk Staff Writer News Mount Bromo Increases Daily Visitor Quota for Holiday Season To accommodate the surge in domestic interest during the March holidays, authorities have increased the daily visitor quota for Mount Bromo by an additional 1,000 people. The decision was paired with stricter online booking requirements and enhanced waste management protocols to ensure that the influx of "micro-tourists"—travelers taking short, immersive trips—does not compromise the environmental integrity of the national park. Enes Gençtürk Staff Writer News Government Introduces “Micro-Tourism” Concept to Shield Local Industry Senior Minister Airlangga Hartarto has proposed a "micro-tourism" strategy as a safety net for the local economy. This model encourages Indonesians to explore destinations within a short radius of their homes through curated "hidden gem" packages and transportation discounts. By promoting regional spots like Sumba for nearby residents of NTT and neighboring islands, the government aims to maintain steady tourism revenue regardless of international arrival fluctuations. Enes Gençtürk Staff Writer