REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, DENPASAR -- Bali's Provincial Government has said a direct flight from India to Bali was badly needed as it would help increase tourist arrivals from the country, a majority of whose population was Hindu.

"A direct flight will not only reduce travel time, but will also reduce transportation cost," Bali Vice Governor Ketut Sudikerta said during a meeting with the Indian Ambassador to Indonesia, Nengcha Lhouvum Mukhopadhaya, here on Monday.

The Indian visitors so far have to transit either via Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Hong Kong before arriving in Bali.

Sudikerta also reminded that a direct flight will help promote Bali tourism, either through tourism agencies or the government. Also, it will help promote Balinese handicrafts.

"Once direct flights start, I'm sure more Indian tourists will come to Bali," Sudikerta stressed, adding that he will immediately discuss the direct flight issue with the national airline, Garuda Indonesia, and other privately-owned airlines.

In addition, Sudikerta expressed his appreciation about the Indian government's offer regarding education, and hoped it will help improve the quality of the Balinese human resources.

Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador Nengcha Lhouvum Mukhopadhaya pointed out that there has been a significant increase in the number of Balinese tourists visiting India as part of spiritual tourism. Also, many people visit India to study at some of the famous universities in the country.

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