Observer urges retention of transit flight options during discounted Lebaran airfares scheme
Jakarta — A transportation observer from the Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) has urged the government to maintain transit flight options whilst implementing discounted airfares for the 2026 Lebaran holiday period, in order to preserve connectivity and public access.
“If transit routes are simply removed, certain communities will suffer losses. There must be alternative assessments, such as providing feeder services like buses or ferries on nearby routes, or using smaller aircraft to keep services running,” said Revy Petragradia in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday.
Ahead of the 2026 Lebaran exodus, the government is implementing a domestic economy class airfare discount of 17-18 per cent. This incentive applies to flights between 14-29 March 2026, with ticket sales beginning on 10 February through 29 March 2026.
The policy is intended to reduce travel costs for those returning to their hometowns, particularly via air routes which are traditionally the preferred choice during the holiday season.
However, alongside the positively received discount, another proposal has emerged. The government is reportedly considering the elimination of several transit flight routes and promoting direct flight services instead.
Yet for many regions, particularly areas with limited connectivity, transit options represent the only means of maintaining public mobility, the observer noted.
He assessed that the plan requires deeper examination as eliminating transit routes risks causing serious impacts for communities that have long depended on indirect flight services, such as to Tana Toraja, Nabire and Kupang, which frequently require connections in Bali or other major cities.
He stressed that transport policy must not be solely oriented towards movement efficiency and increasing direct flight volumes. Without clear alternative options, restricting transit risks confusing the public, particularly when direct flight capacity proves insufficient for the surge in holiday travellers.
“If transit options are removed, there must be clear explanation of what alternatives exist. Are other transport modes being prepared, will schedules remain with adjusted frequencies, or is there another scheme? All of this requires deeper analysis so people don’t lose access,” he continued.
Furthermore, the observer reminded that the impact of this policy extends beyond holiday travellers to destination regions. Restrictions on air connectivity risk disrupting local economies across tourism and logistics sectors.
This is viewed as contradicting the government’s long-standing push for economic distribution and development of areas outside major urban centres.
“Indonesia is an archipelagic nation. The role of transit is strategically important for maintaining inter-regional connectivity. Solutions could include adjusting to smaller aircraft to match demand, supply and operational costs,” he added.
“In addition, destination regions also need continued development to maintain high aircraft occupancy rates and ensure route sustainability,” he further stated.
According to the observer, if transit elimination occurs without preparations for alternative transport modes or fleets, the risk of remote areas becoming increasingly isolated becomes real. Yet providing connectivity and mobility represents a fundamental government obligation to the public.
Therefore, he continued, amidst airfare discounts which are expected to ease the burden on holiday travellers, the government must not overlook connectivity aspects. For many regions in Indonesia, transit is not merely a choice but a basic necessity to ensure holiday journeys remain safe and affordable.
“If eliminated without alternatives, holiday travellers will clearly suffer. Citizens have the right to adequate transport services, especially given their contribution through taxation. The holiday policy which should ease burdens must not create additional difficulties,” he concluded.