Minister Of Home Affairs Highlights The High Price Of Airline Tickets In Natuna

UNSPLASH ILLUSTRATION

TANJUNGPINANG - Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) Muhammad Tito Karnavian highlighted the high price of airplane tickets in Natuna Regency, Riau Islands (Kepri) because it could have an impact on increasing tourist visits in this area.

"Indeed, one of the problems in Natuna is the problem of transportation prices, especially airplanes," said Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, August 18.

He mentioned the problem of the high ticket fare for planes to and from the island at the north end of the Republic of Indonesia, one of which was triggered by the low occupancy or occupancy of airplane seats, so that airlines were forced to increase ticket prices so as not to lose money.

Tito proposed two solutions to overcome the high price of airplane tickets in Natuna as Indonesia's front line in the border area.

First, the government must make a subsidy policy for flights in Natuna. Second, encouraging the addition of airlines in Natuna to be more competitive.

"If there are other airlines, there must be variations in the price of airplane tickets, so people have the option to fly, of course at a cheaper rate," said Tito.

Tito conveyed the problem of the high number of plane tickets that the government and residents in Natuna complained about he would take to Jakarta and discuss further with the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub).

The former National Police Chief ensured that Natuna was one of the super priority border areas by the central government, so that various problems faced by residents there would be sought to find a solution.

"Later, I will hold a limited meeting with the Ministry of Transportation regarding the issue of aircraft ticket prices in Natuna," said Titopula.

Currently, flights from Batam to Natuna only use Wings Air with a distance of more than 1 hour. Ticket prices range from IDR 1.3 million to IDR 3 million per person.