TEMPO.CO, Batam – The Riau Islands Provincial Government and Batam-Singapore ferry operators have agreed to lower ferry ticket prices by Rp30,000 for a round trip.
Junaidi, Head of the Riau Islands Transportation Agency, announced the decision following a meeting between the government and ferry operators on September 22-23, 2024. “The round-trip ticket fare is reduced by Rp30,000 starting today,” he stated on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
He explained that the decision to reduce ticket prices by Rp30,000 was based on the operator’s calculations. However, he noted that this is just the first phase of a broader review to determine the optimal pricing for Batam-Singapore ferry tickets.
“As Governor Ansar has mentioned, a survey will be conducted to identify the causes of the high ticket prices to determine the appropriate pricing for Batam-Singapore ferry tickets,” Junaidi added.
During the meetings, ferry operators cited factors such as the rising exchange rate, increased fuel costs, higher counter rental fees, and higher crew salaries as contributing to the high ticket prices.
Junaidi acknowledged their concerns but emphasized the need for a comprehensive survey to substantiate these claims.
He also complained about the unfinalized visa on arrival (VoA) regulations for foreign tourists. He noted that the flexibility of these regulations would significantly impact the number of ferry passengers.
Previously, Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad planned to form an investigation team following the surge in Batam-Singapore ferry ticket prices. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, round-trip ticket prices have risen from around Rp480,000 to Rp760,000. This has been complained about by many,” he said in a press release on Sunday, September 22, 2024.
Governor Ansar believed that reducing the ticket prices of the Batam-Singapore ferry would increase the ship’s occupancy rates, thereby raising the number of foreign tourists visiting the Riau Islands.
YOGI EKA SAHPUTRA
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