TEMPO.CO, Batam - Tickets for ferry crossings from Batam to Singapore and vice versa increased following the hike in airfares which was in line with the relaxed public travel policies. Among factors behind the rising price of airfare were rising fuel prices, staff shortages, efforts to improve the company’s balance sheet, and the target to attract rich tourists.

The ferry price for Batam City to Singapore route and vice versa was Rp400,000 and the roundtrip was Rp500,000 per person. At present, the one-trip price costs Rp500,000, while the roundtrip costs Rp800,000 per person.

A Singaporean businessman residing in Batam, Ajun, claimed he understood the increase in ferry ticket prices. “It’s because of the price of fuel,” he said, expressing pessimism that ferry fares would go down. “Everything in Singapore is going up like crazy.”

The head of the Batam Tourism Agency Ardiwinata said he had discussed the high price of ferry tickets with the relevant agencies. “There is a possibility that the ticket price can be corrected (lowered),” he added.

Moreover, he argued that after Singapore’s main port HarbourFront reoperates, the number of ferry passengers would skyrocket. That way, the ferry price could be readjusted or returned to the original fare.

YOGI EKA SAHPUTRA

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