TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said that Indonesia's aviation industry started to recover during the Christmas and New Year holidays. This condition is evident from aircraft movement at Soekarno Hatta Airport, which reached up to 1,040.

"This is the revival of aviation [industry] in Indonesia because usually, the maximum [aircraft movement] is recorded at 1,200. So, it’s nearly 90 percent,” said Budi Karya at the Umrah Lounge of Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Friday, December 23, 2023.

During his visit to the airport, Budi Karya monitored a number of points, including ground handling. Minister Budi asked state-run airport operator PT Angkasa Pura (AP) II to increase the number of equipment and workers.

AP II was also suggested to optimize aircraft operational hours during the Christmas and New Year holidays. For example, increasing airport working hours from originally 12 hours to 15 hours. That way, airlines can take off at night.

“Make sure the coverage areas throughout Indonesia are covered well. Because many of our brothers want to fly to Ambon, NTT, and Papua for Christmas. If the connectivity is lacking, it will be troublesome,” said the minister.

Apart from that, Budi Karya also encouraged airlines not to set air tickets at high tariffs. This appeal, he added, had been conveyed through a circular letter.

RIRI RAHAYU

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