Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry said subsidized pioneer air services play a key role in strengthening connectivity across the archipelago, particularly in underdeveloped, frontier, outermost and border areas known as 3TP.Head of the Manado Airport Authority Region VIII Ambar Suryoko said the flights represent the government’s presence in ensuring inter-regional connectivity for communities in remote regions.”Pioneer flights are crucial in supporting community mobility in 3TP regions,” Ambar said in a statement issued by the ministry in Jakarta on Tuesday.The ministry’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Monday launched the first subsidized pioneer flight for the 2026 Gorontalo regional coordinator area in Manado, marking the start of this year’s program.The service is operated by PT Asi Pudjiastuti Aviation (Susi Air) using a 12-seat Cessna Grand Caravan C 208 B aircraft.Ambar said the pioneer services connect North Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi and Gorontalo through scheduled routes operating from Monday to Saturday.On Mondays, flights operate on the Manado-Siau-Naha and Manado-Melonguane-Miangas routes, both return services. Tuesday routes include Manado-Bolaang-Gorontalo, Gorontalo-Luwuk-Banggai Laut, and Gorontalo-Bolaang-Manado.On Wednesdays, flights repeat the Manado-Siau-Naha and Manado-Melonguane-Miangas routes. Thursday services cover Manado-Bolaang-Gorontalo, Gorontalo-Pohuwato, and Gorontalo-Luwuk-Banggai Laut.Friday flights operate Gorontalo-Luwuk-Banggai Laut and Gorontalo-Bolaang routes, while Saturday services cover the Manado-Melonguane route.Ambar said the flights shorten travel time and provide alternative transportation options, supporting public services and economic activity in remote areas.He said flight frequency on the Manado-Melonguane route increased this year to three times a week from two previously, following an evaluation of strong public demand.The ministry has also provided fuel transport subsidies for 2026, including 540 drums of aviation fuel placed at Naha and Melonguane airports to support routes requiring refuelling.The subsidy aims to keep aviation fuel costs borne by airlines in line with airports that already have Pertamina Aviation fuel depots, Ambar said.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation will continue to evaluate and supervise pioneer air services, including safety, operational compliance and service quality, to ensure optimal public benefits.