Based on data from Indonesia's Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) on East Kalimantan (Kaltim), the number of air passengers departing from Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman (SAMS) Sepinggan Airport in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, for international destinations reached 8,347 in June 2023.
The number of international flight passengers from SAMS Airport in East Kalimantan increased by 100.75% (month-on-month/mom), or doubled monthly. Previously, in May 2023, SAMS Airport only served 4,158 departing international passengers.
Cumulatively, the number of international passengers from SAMS Airport in East Kalimantan from January to June 2023 reached 19,796.
This figure also increased by 686.8% (year-on-year/yoy) compared to January-June of the previous year, which only recorded 2,516 passengers.
Currently, SAMS Sepinggan Airport is the only airport in East Kalimantan serving international flights. Available international routes are flights to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Dubai.
The increase in the number of international passengers in East Kalimantan is in line with the ongoing construction of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN).
According to Katadata.co.id, a number of foreign investors have recently conducted site visits to IKN. In June 2023, 167 investors from Singapore visited the IKN location in East Kalimantan.
(See also: This List of the 10 Best International Airports in the World 2023 According to "Travel and Leisure")