The Indonesian community including students in Brisbane and other areas in Australia`s state of Queensland hoped national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia would resume its Denpasar-Brisbane route which has been closed since 13 January, 2007, an Indonesian student figure has said.

“We are concerned over the closure of Garuda`s Denpasar-Brisbane route as of January 13, 2007, president of the Indonesian Students Association at University of Queensland, Nur Iswanto, said here Thursday.

Although there are many international airline companies which serve flights from Brisbane to a number of cities in Indonesia, Guruda remained to be the main choice of the Indonesian people and Australian tourists from Queensland who want to visit Bali, he said.

“To more than 1,000 Indonesian people in Brisbane, the direct flight with easier transit to change with domestic planes in Indonesia is a decisive factor,” Nur said.

In terms of price, according to Nur, Garuda Indonesia is competitive and it offers much cheaper prices for delivery services than those of foreign airline companies.

Nur said that Indonesians flying with Garuda felt more comfortable when the flight attendants who are also from Indonesia serve them.

“Garuda Indonesia has so far paid great attention and supports to the Indonesian community`s activities. The celebration of the national independence day, among others, is always held under the auspices of Garuda Indonesia,” he said.

“People to people activities always get the support from the Indonesian national flag carrier. Garuda`s services were no longer felt since the Indonesian honorary consulate in Brisbane was closed in January, 2006,” he said.

Thus, the Indonesian students and people in Brisbane hope much that Garuda Indonesia`s management in Jakarta wants to resume its direct flight from Denpasar to that Australian city.

“We will always support the Indonesian airline company`s efforts to develop its businesses by giving priority to flying with Garuda Indonesia,” Nur said. (*)

Source: ANTARA News