Preparations for TIME Makassar on Track

TIME (Pasar Wisata) organizer, Meity Robot informed Indonesia Digest that preparations for this prestigious annual event are on track, having recently made an inspection visit to the capital of South Sulawesi. TIME, to be held from 14th to 17th October, - after the fasting month and Ied celebrations,- is expected to draw more than 100 buyers from around the world. Garuda Indonesia has confirmed its support to bring in buyers from China and Australia.
The completion of a number of infrastructural projects have eased access into Makassar. Makassar has recently operated its brand new Sultan Hasanuddin airport, which is much larger than the former airport; the Convention Hall is completed and the highway from the airport into town is near completion, said Meity Robot.
Meanwhile, Merpati Airline also shifted its headquarters to Makassar, Air Asia has started direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Makassar, and many more airlines are making Makassar their hub and gateway into the eastern part of Indonesia.
TTG Asia reports that passenger traffic between Jakarta and Makassar in the first half of the year grew by 14.2 per cent compared to the same period last year to 317,000, according to Angkasa Pura I airport authority.
In the meantime, Garuda Indonesia reported its passengers on the route grew by 8.4 per cent at the same period. Garuda general manager Mr Azhar, said: "Our load factor is always above 90 per cent even after we have added frequency from four to five daily last July. "The route can actually take up to 10 frequencies daily, but we have limited aircraft to grow so much."
The airline operates four Boeing 737-400 with 124 seats and one Airbus with 293 seats.
Being a hub to eastern Indonesia, Makassar is also served by other domestic airlines with onward flights to other destinations in Sulawesi, Maluku and West Papua, reports TTG.
This TIME will showcase a number of island- and dive destinations for which east Indonesia is famed, where Makassar is the gateway, including to the islands of Bunaken, Wakatobi, Raja Ampat and Salayar, offering unparalleled beauty and biodiversity.
Makassar, capital of the Province of South Sulawesi, is better known to visitors as the main gateway to the mysterious Toraja highlands. However, this province hides many unexplored attractions worthy of a visit. South Sulawesi is the abode of the seafaring and trading Bugis and Makassar people, famed for their strong traditional phinisi sailing boats that have plied the archipelago for centuries, and can still be seen in many harbours today. Until today, royalties in Selangor and Johor in Malaysia and the Indonesian Riau islands still count themselves among royal Bugis descent. Boat building, all crafted by hand can still be seen in the district of Bulukumba at Bira and Tana Beru.
Nearer to the airport, are found caves with ancient drawings, while for nature lovers, trekking up the Bantimurung waterfall and along the rapids, one finds a paradise for many-coloured butterflies. Facing the city are a number of islands, popular with local tourists. For shoppers, South Sulawesi is famed for its silk weaving and gold ornaments. Makassar is also the central trading port for pearls. While for food lovers enjoy the succulent grilled or fried freshly caught seafood with their special sauces.
Source: Tuti Sunario for Indonesia Digest