TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Transportation Minister Ignasius Jonan's stance over the serious delays by Lion Air flights on February 18 is very regrettable. Usually known for his decisiveness and directness, this time the minister allowed this airline, famous for almost always delaying its flights, to receive advance funds from the Angkasa Pura II airport authority to compensate passengers for its skewed schedule. The Lion Air delays at Soekarno-Hatta airport on that day was the worse ever for the airline.

The reason why Lion Air was not grounded was because it violated only its quality of service, not its flight safety, said authorities. But consumers are angered by the lack of any censure or penalty on the airline. Even more frustrating is the way it tends to ignore public complaints about never being on time, as if its low rates justify the shortcomings of the airline whose motto is 'we make people fly'.

Firm penalties on all types of violations, both in the quality of services as well as in its flight safety, must be equally imposed on all airlines to prevent recurrences. Minister Jonan must show serious intent that the government will penalize Lion Air for its transgressions, if it is to avoid the impression that it is playing favorites. In accordance with Article 10 of Law No. 1/2009 on Airlines, the government must apply equal treatment to all airlines when it comes to regulations, management and oversight.

A decisive stance towards Lion Air is important because it will be an example of the government's seriousness in improving the quality of the service and safety of airlines in the country. Since the boom of low-cost airlines in Indonesia, assorted problems have emerged, particularly those linked to the lack of proper infrastructure, which the government has failed to address comprehensively.

The capacity of airports along with its supporting facilities, for example, has not developed in line with the growing needs of the airlines. The airlines today are competing aggressively with one another to garner a rapidly growing market and as a consequence, comfort and quality of service suffer in the process.

Minister Jonan should have a road map on upgrading the entire airline business, so that the government does not merely act as a firefighter, coming to the rescue only when there's a problem or a crisis. The airline business in Indonesia has changed significantly since the industry was deregulated in 2000. Given that the rapid market growth in Southeast Asia, including in Indonesia, is the highest in the world, the airline business has become a lucrative one in the country. The government must take note of the increasing competition among the airlines and strictly monitor any breach of regulations.

On the other hand, a comprehensive restructuring is critically needed if Indonesia is to compete effectively in Southeast Asia. Improvement in the service quality of airlines like Lion Air, which flies most number of passengers in Indonesia yet holds the worst departure and arrival record, would be one strategic step to begin with. If the problem with Lion can be resolved, the quality of air travel in Indonesia will improve significantly. (*)