NTB Ombudsman Finds Inflated Kayang Harbor Tariffs

The Indonesian Ombudsman Representative for West Nusa Tenggara found inflated sea crossing rates at Kayangan Port, East Lombok Regency.

Head of the Indonesian Ombudsman NTB Representative, Dwi Sudarsono, said that while monitoring the Lebaran 2023 homecoming service, his party received a number of complaints from travelers through the Kayangan Crossing Port on Friday (5/5).

"The complaints of the travelers include the practice of inflating crossing rates by counter officers," he said, quoted from Antara, Sunday.

He revealed that there was a difference in the price for adult passenger tickets to reach Rp. 1,200 per person from the crossing price listed on the ticket. Meanwhile, the class of 4-wheeled vehicles was inflated to Rp. 2,000 per unit.

Following up on the complaint, the inspection team conducted a closed field inspection at the ticket purchase counter for the Kayangan Port.

The inspection team found that the inflated adult passenger fare at a rate of Rp. 18,800 was rounded up to Rp. 20,000.

Ticket officers did not ask whether the team members of the inspection team had e-money as a means of payment or directed the top up e-money at the counter provided.

"The team paid in Rp. 50,000 denominations and was received by ticket officers. Ticket officers submitted the tariff of Rp. 19 thousand and the return we received was Rp. 30 thousand. Meanwhile, the proof of payment the team received was Rp. 18,800 with a difference of Rp. 1,200," he explained.

Even though it is small, if multiplied, the number of passengers inflated can reach millions per day.

"The inflating practice is classified as illegal levies because it attracts tariffs outside the provisions," said Dwi Sudarsono.

According to him, the inspection team has asked for direct clarification with GM ASDP of Kayangan Port by submitting ticket evidence from travelers. From GM ASDP's statement, there are around 900 service users who include vehicles and individuals in 24 hours during Eid homecoming.

Responding to the findings of the Ombudsman team, ASDP management will immediately evaluate and improve services to all officers. The ASDP management will ensure that it implements ticket transactions with e-money.

"This action is to prevent similar tariff inflating events from occurring," he said.

Non-cash transactions have been implemented since 2021 at Kayangan Port in accordance with Permenhub Number 19 of 2020 concerning the Implementation of Electronic Ferry Transport Tickets.

From the results of the examination, the examination team concluded that the inflated crossing rate by the Loket Officer was the act of mal-administration.

Therefore, the team asked the management of ASDP Kayangan to evaluate and develop all employees, especially payment counter officers so that services at Kayangan Port would be even better.