The Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economies, Sandiaga Uno, has committed to reducing the cost of domestic airfares in the country.
This will have a huge impact on domestic tourists and their ability to explore their home nation, and it poses some incredible opportunities for adventurous Bali holidaymakers to explore more of what the archipelago has to offer.
Minister Uno confirmed that a new policy is in the process of being drawn up by Minister for Investment Luhur Bisan Pandjaitan.
He explained, “Minister Luhut is addressing the cost of airline tickets intending to announce breakthrough measures before the change of the Presidential Cabinet and the swearing in of the next government.”
The Tourism Minister revealed that these airfare cost cuts could be in effect by early October 2024.
He noted that there are several ways in which the government is seeking to reduce domestic airfares, including cutting VAT, cutting import tax on aviation equipment, and reducing the cost of aviation fuel. Leaders are aiming for a 10% reduction in domestic airfare costs overall.
Minister Pandjaitan spoke of his commitment to cutting the cost of airfares back in July 2024.
In a statement issued on his social media accounts, the Minister of Investment and Maritime Affairs explained, “We are preparing several steps for flight efficiency and reducing ticket prices, for example, evaluating aircraft operating costs.”
He added, “We are also formulating a strategy to reduce the CBH (Cost Per Block Hour) value based on the type of aircraft and flight service.”
Minister Pandjaitan explained that Indonesia’s domestic airfares are more expensive than those of many neighboring nations.
He said, “Compared to ASEAN countries and the high-population countries, Indonesia’s flight ticket price will be the second most expensive after Brazil.”
A cut in the cost of domestic airfares would have a huge benefit for international tourists visiting Bali.
Not only does the anticipated airfare cut help reduce the cost of transiting Jakarta for long-haul travelers, but it also makes it more affordable to explore regions outside of Bali.
For example, Yogyakarta has been noted by the travel booking platform Agoda to be one of the most affordable and culturally dense regions in Indonesia to explore.
With multiple flights daily connecting Bali with Yogyakarta, tourists planning a 14-day holiday in Indonesia would be wise to consider incorporating a second or even third province into their itinerary.
It is easy to travel from Bali Province to Lombok Province, which also includes the Gili Islands, by boat, but hopping on a short-haul domestic flight to other Indonesian provinces is just as easy, and it is about to be just as affordable.
Flights from Bali to Jakarta take just 1 hour and 55 minutes, and flights from Denpasar to the heart of Sumatra, Medan, are 6 hours long.
With direct flight services to Sumba and Labuan Bajo taking just one hour, the options for adventure are truly endless.
Bali is the gateway to an archipelago of authentic and immersive travel experiences that holidaymakers are gaining easier access to by the day.
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, is the only commercial airport in Bali, operating both domestic and international terminals.
In 2024, the airport is set to experience its busiest clear since bordered reopened after lockdown.
Major international airlines like Etihad have announced increased flight services to keep up with demand, just as new airlines are launching new services to the international schedule.
Starting on the 20th of October, Korean Air will pare a twice-daily flight between Seoul Incheon and Denpasar.
Remove All Ads & Unlock All Articles… Sign up for The Bali Sun Premium
Plan Your Bali Holiday:
Book The Best English Speaking Drivers For Airport Transfers & Tours
Choose From Thousands of Bali Hotels, Resorts, and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
Book Cheap Flights To Bali
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance That Covers Medical Expenses In Bali
For the latest Bali News & Debate Join our Facebook Community
SUBSCRIBE TO NEW POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Bali Sun’s latest breaking news, straight to your inbox.
Mike Croney
Friday 27th of September 2024
How about addresses the elephant in the room effectively? The state owned enterprises (BUMN) that monopolize almost every sector in Indonesia leading to high prices due to the inefficiencies through lack of competition. Pertamina, Angkasa Pura, the list goes on... Open the market to competition and prices go down and efficiency up. Basic economics 101
David Baker
Friday 27th of September 2024
It is a great initiative that the minister is looking to cut the cost of domestic airfares. However, if tourists are entering and leaving Indonesia via Bali? They can potentially have to pay the Visa on Arrival fee twice as they are leaving the island and then return! So where is the saving? I have had to do this on many occasions. It is so unfair.