The airport, overseen by state-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura I (AP I), which manages 13 airports in central and eastern Indonesia, currently only authorizes conventional and airport taxis to operate in its complex. 

"Regarding online taxis, we need to have a Perda [regional government regulation] to [discuss the matter]. It needs to be realized where this airport stands, and respect the Perda. If it is regulated, then go ahead," Devy Suradji, marketing and services director of AP I, said recently, as quoted by tempo.co. 

The decision to allow ride-hailing vehicles to operate at Ahmad Yani is still open for discussion. 

"There must first be a regulation," Devy stressed.

Read also: Thai woman arrested for allegedly smuggling crystal meth into Semarang

She further said ride-hailing vehicles are currently still a controversy. Passengers' safety remains the most important aspect, she added, beginning from a clear legal umbrella to the applicable service permits. It is necessary so as not to give a bad impact to airport services, Devy said. 

"[We need] to know what kind of taxi permit, fares and zones. All vehicles entering the airport must have clear permits and quality so that it can uphold its responsibilities over the lives of others and ensure safety to reach the destination," Devy said.  

She said the auction of airport taxi facilities at the Ahmad Yani Airport would be opened in August. The choice would be made through the necessary studies and suggestions from the Central Java Transportation Agency for the provision of sustainable services in accordance with the public needs. 

As reported by tempo.co, calls against monopolization of Ahmad Yani taxis by one company has surfaced following a story shared online by Nathalie, a customer who was forced to get out of a conventional taxi and get into a designated airport taxi.

Nathalie's experience triggered conversations among netizens and eventually her story went viral. After entering a Blue Bird taxi, she said the vehicle was stopped by a man and she was forced to get out. 

"I couldn't get in the Blue Bird taxi because there was a rule that forbade us from taking any other taxi except the airport taxi," Nathalie said. The man who stopped her vehicle has reportedly been sanctioned by AP I. (liz)