Traveldiva – As an island nation, Indonesia relies heavily on air transportation to maintain connectivity between islands. This mode of transportation is considered fast and efficient for long-distance travel. However, Currently, many people complain about the high prices ticket aircraft. Why are plane ticket prices in Indonesia still high??
According to Widya Leksmanawati Habibie, Executive Director of the Habibie Institute for Public Policy and Governance (HIPPG), Complaints about high ticket prices are often heard. HIPPG also held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) together with air transportation stakeholders in Indonesia to understand more deeply this problem. The FGD was attended by various parties such as the President Director of Lion Group, Captain Daniel Putut Kuncoro Adi, and representatives from AirAsia Indonesia and Pertamina Patra Niaga.
In the discussion, Budi Sutanto, Secretary General of the Indonesian National Air Carriers Association (INACA), explain the understanding of the term “mahal” must be adapted to existing standards. A good or service is considered expensive when its price exceeds the upper limit rate. Airline ticket prices in Indonesia, It turns out that it is influenced by many factors that go beyond the price of aviation fuel alone. The following are some of the causes of high airline ticket prices in Indonesia:
1. Taxes Charged
value-added tax (PPN) charged on aviation fuel and airline tickets is one of the burdens that contributes to high ticket prices. This tax directly affects the costs that consumers have to pay.
2. Passenger Service Charge (PSC)
Passenger Service Charge (PSC) is an additional fee charged by the airport management to passengers. This fee is relatively higher compared to similar fees charged by airports in other ASEAN countries. This also increases the costs that must be borne by consumers.
3. Import Duty for Aircraft Parts
Another component that is no less important is the high import duty on aircraft spare parts. These costs increase airline operational costs, which is ultimately charged to the price of the plane ticket.
4. Complex Legislation The regulations governing aviation in Indonesia are still considered less efficient. One example is the calculation of ticket prices which is only based on flying distance without taking flying time into account. This causes an imbalance between price and services provided.
5. Burdensome Navigation System
The navigation system at the airport also affects airline operational costs. Increasingly complex and expensive navigation systems are used, the higher the costs that must be borne by the airline and ultimately this will affect the price of plane tickets.
6. The number of levies imposed
INACA Secretary General, Budi Sutanto, revealed that various levies from the government can reach 30% of the plane ticket price. These levies cover various components, including taxes and other fees, all of which have a direct impact on the final ticket price that consumers must pay.
7. There are no long-term programs for the aviation industry yet
Apart from the factors above, The government is considered to not have a long-term, targeted development program for the aviation industry in Indonesia. even though, This industry is very important as a driver of the economy and national infrastructure development. Therefore, data-based policies are needed (evidence-based policy) as well as support from relevant ministries, aviation industry organizations, and other stakeholders. Thus, The aviation industry could become a more planned and sustainable national strategic project.
8. Less Optimal Public Communication Strategy
Last one, Public communication strategies regarding airline ticket prices in Indonesia still need to be improved. The government must be able to explain existing policies to the public so that they understand the reasons behind high ticket prices. This is important so that people are not influenced by inaccurate opinions or information that only circulates on social media.
As a follow-up to the FGD conducted by HIPPG, Widya Leksmanawati Habibie said that her agency would provide recommendations to the government to evaluate policies related to airline ticket prices.. Expected, This step could make air transportation more efficient and more affordable for the wider community.
The high price of plane tickets in Indonesia is not a simple problem. Many factors influence this price, starting with taxes, aviation fuel costs, to government policies that are still complex. Therefore, a comprehensive long-term solution is needed to lower prices flight ticket and increasing air transportation accessibility in Indonesia.
