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Indonesians flying abroad as domestic airfares rise
Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said the country would see a steady decline in domestic tourist numbers unless airlines reduced airfares
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Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said the country would see a steady decline in domestic tourist numbers unless airlines reduced airfares (Shutterstock/File)
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any Indonesian vacationers are opting to fly overseas as a result of increasing airplane ticket prices for domestic flights, according to the Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASITA).
ASITA chairwoman Nunung Rusmiati said there had been a significant increase in international departures since domestic ticket prices soared late last year. Domestic tickets had become so expensive that international flights were more affordable in comparison, she said.
“Customers have complained that tickets for Jakarta-Bali flights are more expensive than those for Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur,” Nunung said on Monday, as quoted by tempo.co.
According to Nunung, tickets for international flights are now much cheaper than those for domestic routes.
Read also: New regulations set price floors, ceilings for airline tickets
She cited full-service airlines now charging Rp 2.5 million (US$176.76) for Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur round-trip tickets; whereas Jakarta-Bali round-trip tickets start from Rp 4.5 million.
ASITA deputy chairman Budijanto Ardiansyah said there had been a 30 percent decrease in local tourists flying to domestic destinations. Of the 30 percent, 20 percent had chosen to fly overseas, he added.
Budijanto called on airlines to consider adjusting ticket prices for domestic flights to help boost local tourism.
Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said the country would see a steady decline in domestic tourist numbers unless airlines reduced airfares. (rfa/kes)
