Yudono Yanuar, Jakarta – Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno responded to circulating rumors that travelers will be subjected to an additional surcharge on flight ticket prices. The issue emerged after Indonesia National Air Carriers Association (INACA) expert council member Alvin Lie posted an invitation letter to discuss the matter.
The letter was sent by the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment and triggered public speculation that the government's plan to establish a tourism endowment fund is behind the levy imposition.
In response, Sandiaga confirmed that the government was planning to hold a meeting to explore the prospects of a sustainable tourism fund. "Yes there will be a meeting to discuss plans for sustainable tourism funds," Sandiaga said in a weekly press conference held online in Jakarta, on Monday, April 22.However, he asked the public not to worry about the additional fees charged on plane tickets as no decision has been made yet.
He acknowledged that air travel fares were still relatively high, as many people had complained. "As of today, don't worry, we won't burden the public with even more expensive ticket prices."
According to him, the tourism endowment fund program is still being studied, including the options to collect it and the amount. The tourism fund, he went on, will be used to promote tourism events of both national and international scale.
Sandiaga Uno also ensured that the tourism fees would be reported transparently. "We will make sure that we do not burden passengers," he said.
Odo RM. Manuhutu, Deputy for Tourism and Creative Economy at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, also confirmed that his side is working on a regulation related to the quality tourism endowment funds involving various ministries and institutions. "This is aimed at creating a quality tourism ecosystem," Odo said in Jakarta, on Monday, April 22.
However, Odo stopped short of explaining where the tourism funds would come from.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1859669/sandiaga-uno-reacts-to-issue-of-levy-on-flights-for-tourism-fun