"Yesterday, during the 2022 National Coordination Meeting for Inflation Control at the State Palace, the president explicitly requested stabilization of air ticket prices since it has an important impact on controlling our inflation," Thohir noted in Jakarta on Friday.
Thohir spoke of his ministry having promptly prepared a formula to stabilize air ticket prices, considering the fact that state-owned companies not only served as the driving force for the nation's economy but also had to function as a counterweight when market prices were experiencing turmoil.
This has been proven by SOEs when they intervened in mask prices and market operations for food requirements, the minister affirmed.
"This time, we have to be present to balance the market in maintaining inflation and also help people to avail air tickets at affordable prices," Thohir emphasized.
The minister acknowledged having requested the state-owned airline operator, PT Garuda Indonesia, to increase flight frequency to meet the increasing demand for airplane service users in order to reduce flight ticket prices.
He believes this momentum can help Garuda to regain the public's trust. He noted that the intervention in flight ticket prices demonstrated that Garuda's transformation and restructuring were right on track.
"This is time for Garuda to come and respond to the trust and support of the community (members), who are currently in need of affordable flight ticket prices," Thohir affirmed.
The minister echoed his full support to the steps taken by the Ministry of Transportation in controlling flight ticket prices. He assessed that the ministry's efforts to involve stakeholders, such as local governments, in helping to ensure passenger occupancy levels and providing subsidies and other incentives, were appropriate.
Joint collaboration is deemed necessary because stabilization of flight ticket prices necessitated synergy among several parties, right from the central government, regional governments, and SOEs, to the private sector, the minister remarked.
"Through comprehensive collaboration, we are optimistic of being able to immediately stabilize the prices of airline tickets. This will certainly have a big impact on the activities and the economy of our community that really needs this mode of transportation," Thohir emphasized.
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Translator: Sugiharto Purnomo, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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