As promised earlier in the year, the Indonesian government has secured a 10% decrease in the cost of domestic airfares.
This brings a lot of benefits for Bali-bound holidaymakers, making it more affordable to explore the wider archipelago, and providing more affordable options for layovers and connecting flights on long-haul journeys to the province.
The Deputy Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Travel Agencies, Budi Ardiansjah, has spoken to reporters following the announcement of the price cut.
He welcomed the government’s policy to reduce domestic airfares by 10% during the 2024/2025 Christmas and New Year period.
He has, however, noted that there is a way to go in order to make domestic travel more accessible and affordable in the long term.
Ardinasjah told reporters, “We appreciate the government’s move, but there is pessimism because this policy seems too late. On average, tickets for travel during the Nataru period have been purchased 2 to 3 months in advance.”
He added, “What we hope is that the reduction in ticket prices will not be just a temporary measure. Starting from January 2025 onwards, policies like this need to be implemented sustainably. That way, the tourism sector can feel a more significant impact.”
He noted, “We are optimistic that if this policy continues and is consistent, the tourism sector will grow more rapidly.”
The policy is a part of the Indonesian government’s efforts to support the growth of the aviation industry and tourism sectors at the end of a challenging few years.
The government estimates that the impact of the policy can save travelers up to IDR 472.5 billion during the Christmas and New Year holiday season, known in Indonesia as Nataru.
@kyu00055 Finally hello bali 😍🛬 #bali #ngurahraiinternationalairport #citlink #holiday ♬ Landing di Bali – Faizal Maulana
According to Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development, the reduction in domestic airfares has been achieved through three main interventions, which are a 50% discount on airport service rates (PSC), a 5.3% reduction in aviation fuel prices, and an 8% reduction in fuel surcharges for jet engines.
The Ministry has outlined that these interventions are able to reduce ticket prices by up to 9.9%, with an average saving of Rp 157,500 per ticket.
The Minister for Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, told reporters, “Synergy and coordination have continued to be carried out with the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and the Task Force Team in the past two weeks.”
She continued, “The team is working hard and solidly so that the ticket prices, God willing, can be more affordable for the public during the Christmas and New Year holidays.”
Minister Wardhana added, “Policy relaxation is needed as a breath of fresh air for the community and the tourism sector, especially when welcoming the Christmas and New Year holidays.”
For Bali tourists with flexible itineraries, this domestic airfare reduction could be the inspiration needed to create an add-on adventure to the Christmas vacation.
New and more affordable flight routes are connecting tourists to an incredible selection of Indonesia’s most exciting, adventurous, and culturally authentic travel destinations.
Indonesia’s five super-priority destinations, including Labuan Bajo and Lake Toba, are great options at this time of year.
There are easy flights available to both Medan for access to Lake Toba and Labuan Bajo for Komodo National Park throughout the week on flights scheduled from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport.
A new flight service, launched last week, connects tourists to Balikpapan and the new Indonesian capital city of Nusantara.
The General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Bali International Airport, Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, told reporters, “As an airport operator, we are ready to support airline operations in expanding flight networks.”
“With a total of 62 airlines operating until October 2024, we are optimistic that we can achieve the target of 23.6 million passengers by the end of the year.”
The possibilities are endless in Wonderful Indonesia in December 2024 and beyond!
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.