PKB on Airline Ticket Price Hike: There Must Be a Time Limit, Not Permanent

Deputy Chairman of PKB in Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Rivqy Abdul Halim, has highlighted the government’s permission for airlines to increase domestic flight ticket prices by 9-13% following the rise in aviation fuel (avtur) prices. Rivqy called for the policy not to be permanent, as it would ultimately harm the public.

“Do not let the public always be the first party asked to understand every time there is operational cost pressure. Meanwhile, transparency in airline cost structures and government mitigation policies is minimal,” Rivqy told reporters on Tuesday (7/4/2026).

Rivqy assessed that the avtur crisis poses a serious challenge to the aviation industry. However, the solutions taken must also be clear regarding indicators and time limits.

“If this increase is considered an emergency measure, then the indicators, time limit, and evaluation mechanism must be clear. Do not let it become a permanent policy that harms the public,” he said.

Rivqy stated that when avtur prices return to normal, flight ticket prices must be restored to their previous levels. He wants policies that are fair to society.

“We must not only make noise when prices rise, but remain silent when prices should fall. If avtur prices return to normal later, the government must also firmly ensure that ticket prices are adjusted according to global economic conditions,” Rivqy said.

“Do not let there be an impression that increases are quickly adjusted, but decreases are silent, as if there is no obligation to lower prices. This is about justice and public trust,” he added.

As reported by detikFinance, the government has allowed domestic flight ticket prices to rise by 9-13%. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto conveyed several steps taken to keep the domestic ticket price increase within that range.

Airlangga said that value-added tax is borne by the government (PPN DTP) at 11%. This policy applies to air transport tickets, commercial, scheduled domestic flights, as well as economy class.

“Well, to keep the domestic ticket increase within 9-13% with the first step of 11% PPN DTP for domestic scheduled commercial air transport tickets in economy class, the amount of subsidy,” Airlangga stated during a press conference at his office in Central Jakarta on Monday (6/4).