In a meeting with Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Indonesia, Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Amudi, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi highlighted the longstanding good relations between the two countries and explored opportunities to enhance connectivity, particularly in regards to Umrah and Hajj flights.

The discussion also touched upon increasing tourism visits and investment in transportation infrastructure projects in Indonesia.

Accompanied by Novie Riyanto, the ministry's secretary general, and M Kristi Endah Murni, director general of air transportation, Minister Sumadi emphasized the need to optimize the momentum of post-COVID-19 recovery to revitalize Indonesia's aviation industry.

With the potential for expanded flight services for Umrah and Hajj, the minister revealed plans to utilize Kertajati Airport in Majalengka District and aim for Dhoho Airport in Kediri to open Umrah flights after its official launch next year.

Additionally, both parties discussed the easing of tourism visa issuance to promote increased visits between the two nations. Indonesia expressed its interest in opening flights to Thaif, Saudi Arabia, considering it as a less crowded alternative to Jeddah. Furthermore, Indonesia extended a warm welcome for Saudi Arabia to explore the possibility of opening flights to various destinations within Indonesia, such as Kertajati and Bali.

Secretary General Riyanto presented an offer to Saudi Arabia for potential investments in transportation infrastructure development projects in Indonesia through the public-private partnership (PPP) scheme.

This meeting marks an important step towards strengthening bilateral ties and advancing cooperation in the realm of transportation and tourism between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.