Indonesia’s renowned tourist spots, known as super priority destinations, are in the spotlight once again. Discussions are underway to make traveling to these destinations more accessible by considering a reduction in airfares. Among these top destinations are Lake Toba, Mandalika, and Labuan Bajo, each offering unique experiences to visitors.
The Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment has expressed its commitment to enhancing tourism by making it more affordable for both local and international travelers to explore these breathtaking locales.
“We’re examining various factors related to costs. It’s a collaborative effort involving all stakeholders to ensure the best outcome,” remarked Ade R Susardi, Garuda Indonesia’s Director of Services and Commerce, during a recent media briefing in Jakarta.
Rustam Efendi, Deputy Secretary for Tourism and Creative Economy Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs, highlighted the importance of reducing airfares to these super priority destinations. He emphasized the potential for a 12-20 percent decrease in ticket prices, aiming to attract more tourists and boost the local economy.
However, Ade noted that the process of determining the exact percentage of fare reduction is still ongoing, with various stakeholders providing input and support.
“The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, along with Pertamina, Angkasa Pura, and other key players, are actively involved in discussions to devise effective strategies,” Ade added.
Despite the ongoing deliberations, there is optimism among industry stakeholders about the potential benefits of reduced airfares. This move aligns with the government’s broader goal of promoting tourism as a key driver of economic growth.
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno has previously highlighted the challenges posed by high airfares. He stressed the importance of increasing accessibility to tourist destinations to encourage domestic and international travel.
“Increasing the number of flights and aircraft in Indonesia is crucial to meeting our ambitious targets for domestic tourism,” stated Sandiaga Uno.
The government aims to achieve 1.25–1.5 billion domestic tourism trips by 2024, with a targeted turnover of Rp 3,000 trillion in the tourism sector. These initiatives underscore Indonesia’s commitment to fostering sustainable tourism development and boosting the country’s economic prosperity.
