Manado (January 13, 2026) – The Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Transportation officially launched the inaugural flight of the Gorontalo Regional Coordinator (Korwil) pioneer air transportation subsidy for the 2026 Fiscal Year on Monday (January 12). This service is operated by PT Asi Pudjiastuti Aviation (Susi Air), using a Cessna Grand Caravan C 208 B aircraft with a capacity of 12 passengers.
This service connects the provinces of North Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, and Gorontalo via several pioneer flight routes, served Monday through Saturday, including:
- Monday: Manado – Siau – Naha (round trip) and Manado – Melonguane – Miangas (round trip).
- Tuesday: Manado – Bolaang – Gorontalo, Gorontalo – Luwuk – Banggai Laut (round trip), and Gorontalo – Bolaang – Manado
- Wednesday: Manado – Siau – Naha (round trip) and Manado – Melonguane – Miangas (round trip)
- Thursday: Manado – Bolaang – Gorontalo, Gorontalo – Pohuwato (round trip), and Gorontalo – Luwuk – Banggai Laut (round trip)
- Friday: Gorontalo – Luwuk – Banggai Laut (round trip) and Gorontalo – Bolaang (round trip)
- Saturday: Manado – Melonguane (round trip).
The Head of the Manado Region VIII Airport Authority Office, Ambar Suryoko, stated that pioneering flights demonstrate the state’s presence in ensuring connectivity between regions, especially in underdeveloped, remote, outermost, and border areas (3TP).
“Pioneer flights play a vital role in supporting community mobility in the 3TP region. Travel times can be shortened and people can choose an alternative mode of transportation for activities outside the region, ultimately driving improvements in public services and the economy,” said Ambar.
This year, Ambar explained that there has been an increase in flight frequency, for example, on the Manado-Melonguane route, from two to three times a week compared to the previous year. This is a result of last year’s evaluation of high public demand and to maintain smooth inter-regional connectivity.
In addition, fuel transportation subsidies are available in the 2026 Fiscal Year in the form of aviation fuel (avtur) transportation subsidies for routes requiring refueling. 540 drums will be placed at Naha Airport and Melonguane Airport. This ensures that aviation fuel costs covered by BUAU remain comparable to airports that already have Pertamina Aviation Aircraft Refueling Depots (DPPU).
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation will continue to evaluate and supervise the implementation of pioneering air transportation, including monitoring safety aspects, operational compliance, and service quality to ensure that pioneering air transportation services operate according to regulations and provide optimal benefits to the public.
“We will continue to coordinate with flight operators to ensure all aspects of safety, operations, and service are carried out in accordance with regulations,” concluded Ambar. (IT/NF/RA/EP)
Source: HUBUD, Ministry of Transportation
