Andi Adam Faturahman, Jakarta – The Commission V of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has expressed concerns over the high prices of domestic flight tickets during the Eid homecoming season. The Chair of Commission V, Lasarus, has observed an anomaly in the ticket prices, noting that the prices for international routes are relatively lower.
He cited the example of Garuda Indonesia airline tickets for the Jakarta-Jayapura route reaching Rp15.7 million during the homecoming season, while the ticket prices for the Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur route were around Rp8 million.
Lasarus remarked, "There seems to be a tendency for domestic flights to be more expensive than international ones. It's quite strange," during a meeting on infrastructure readiness and transportation services ahead of the 2026 Eid homecoming season on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
He emphasized that the high prices of domestic flight tickets have been brought to the attention of the government numerous times. One piece of information received regarding this complaint is that air transport in Indonesia is still labeled as a luxury item.
However, he stated that at present, air transport is no longer relevant to be considered a luxury item, as almost everyone can now enjoy the services of various airlines.
In addition to being regarded as a luxury item, he continued, the soaring prices of flight tickets are also driven by the costs of spare parts, fuel, and import duties on spare parts.
"Aviation fuel has long been expensive, and it is also taxed," said Lasarus.
Therefore, he urged the Ministry of Transportation to work together with other agencies to find a solution to the high prices of domestic flight tickets in Indonesia.
"A way out must be found for this issue. It's a pity for the public if this persists," said the PDIP politician.
During the same occasion, Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi stated that the government regularly monitors the setting of flight ticket prices during the Eid, Christmas, and New Year's seasons.
He explained that this period is the peak season, so airlines generally set prices referring to the upper limit tariff (TBA) that has been determined.
However, he mentioned that the Ministry of Transportation is not hesitant to impose sanctions if violations are found. "Have there been any violations? Perhaps once or twice," said Dudy.
Dani Haikal, the Director of Operations at PT Garuda Indonesia, stated that the airline complies with government regulations in determining the tariff rates, including using the TBA.
"So, the tickets sold by Garuda never exceed the limits set by the regulator," Dani said.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2092110/dpr-questions-expensive-domestic-flight-ticket-prices-ahead-of-ei