The Indonesian government has decided to increase the number of international airports from 22 to 40 — a move aimed at making more regions of the country accessible to foreign visitors and boosting local economic growth.

The previous administration had reduced the number to 17 in an effort to cut maintenance costs. At the time, the reasoning made some sense — even with international status, only five airports, including Jakarta and Bali, were operating regular international flights.

Infrastructure is one of Indonesia’s most pressing challenges. The country is made up of more than 17,000 islands, around 6,000 of which are inhabited. This fragmented geography has a direct impact on the economy and development levels of its more remote regions.

Opening additional international airports is part of the new government’s broader strategy to improve domestic connectivity. Some of the newly designated international hubs are located in key industrial zones — one in Weda Bay, a nickel-mining region, and another near the Morowali industrial park. Once upgraded, these facilities are expected to see significant growth in international traffic, driven by business travel.

Tourism is another major focus. By improving access to remote and lesser-known regions, Indonesia hopes to draw visitors beyond its most popular destinations — Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta.

It’s a promising idea; Indonesia truly has a wealth of natural and cultural treasures. Often, it’s simply a matter of accessibility that keeps certain destinations off travelers’ radar. But there’s a trade-off — limited tourist traffic often means wilder landscapes and more authentic experiences.

Take the Mentawai Islands, sometimes called Indonesia’s “Maldives,” with some of the best surf breaks in the world. Getting there involves a flight to Padang, an overnight stay, and a morning ferry — and the return trip is just as long. Or the northern coast of Sumbawa, where you can swim with whale sharks; or Central Sumatra, where wild orangutans still roam free; or even the remote Mentawai tribes, who have little contact with the outside world.

These places are special precisely because they are hard to reach. Which is why, in my view, exotic destinations may need conservation more than they need international airports — to keep them as they are for generations to come.