Ministry Of Transportation Reminds Airlines Not To Aji While Raising Airline Ticket Prices In The Middle Of Disasters

The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) reminded airlines not to take advantage of emergency situations to increase the price of airplane tickets, especially in the midst of disasters that are now hitting the Aceh region.

This warning was conveyed after public complaints emerged about the high flight rate to disaster-affected areas.

Secretary of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation Achmad Setiyo Prabowo emphasized that the government will continue to monitor aircraft fares so as not to exceed the stipulated limits.

For current emergency conditions, the Ministry of Transportation ensures that airline tariffs are still in the corridor of the rules as long as they do not exceed the Upper Limit Tariff (TBA).

"As for now, we still control that as long as the airline does not exceed the TBA, it means it is still in accordance with the regulations," he said at a media gathering, in Bogor, West Java, Thursday, December 11.

Even so, Setiyo emphasized the importance of business ethics in the midst of disaster conditions. He asked airlines not to take advantage of the situation to reap excess profits.

"So we still urge you that in this disaster condition, it's wiser for airlines. Don't let Aji be like that. We will still monitor it," he said.

Previously, it was reported that the flight fare to Aceh had jumped sharply amid the increasing demand for transportation due to floods and landslides that occurred in the area. In fact, it is reported that the price has reached Rp. 8 million per person for the Bener Meriah route to Rembele, Aceh.

This information is listed on Instagram social media @kabakaraceh which has gone viral recently. In the social media account, it is explained that the ticket price is Rp. 8 million per person for this route is served by Susi Air.

Previously, the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (Ditjen Hubud) opened its voice regarding the news of the high flight rate on the Kualanamu Airport-Rembele-Kualanamu route.

The high flight rate for this route is in the spotlight in the midst of floods and landslides that occur in the Aceh region.

Head of the Medan Regional II Airport Authority, Asri Santosa, confirmed that currently there are no regular flights serving the Kualanamu-Rembele PP route.

"The flight that operates is a pioneer flight served by Susi Air with a frequency of one flight per week every Thursday," he said in an official statement, Tuesday, December 9.

Asri said the disaster emergency conditions in the Aceh Province caused an increase in the community's need for air transportation services due to access to other modes of transportation being affected by disasters.

"Many residents from affected areas need access out of the disaster area, especially to Kualanamu Airport, this has resulted in an increase in the number of people coming to Rembele Airport to get flight services," said Asri.

From the results of the verification of officers in the field, continued Asri, it was found that there were initiatives of individuals who coordinated other prospective passengers to make charter flights on the intended route.

For charter flights, the entire process of booking, payment, and flight arrangements is an agreement between passengers and airlines or aircraft providers (not being sold in retail). The airport is not involved and does not have the authority to sell tickets or the commercial process of the flight," said Asri.

Sementara itu, Direktur Jenderal Perhubungan Udara, Lukman F. Laisa memastikan pihak maskapai tidak melakukan penjualan tiket reguler di luar penerbangan perintis yang sudah terjadwal di Bandar Udara Rembele.

“Seluruh penerbangan di luar jadwal reguler merupakan inisiatif para calon penumpang yang secara mandiri berkoordinasi untuk melakukan charter pesawat dengan tujuan memenuhi kebutuhan mendesak mereka dalam situasi darurat,” ujar Lukman.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Civil Aviation, Lukman F. Laisa, ensured that the airline did not sell regular tickets outside of scheduled pioneering flights at Rembele Airport.

"All flights outside the regular schedule are an initiative of prospective passengers who independently coordinate to carry out aircraft charters with the aim of meeting their urgent needs in emergency situations," said Lukman.