The escalating cost of domestic air travel in Indonesia is prompting travelers, including humanitarian aid workers, to seek more affordable routes – even if it means traveling through other countries. This situation highlights a growing concern about accessibility and the financial burden placed on those needing to reach various parts of the archipelago.
The Rising Cost of Domestic Flights
Recent reports indicate a meaningful disparity between the price of direct flights within Indonesia and those involving layovers in neighboring countries like Malaysia. You might be surprised to learn that, in certain specific cases, flying to Kuala Lumpur and then onward to a destination in Sumatra is cheaper than a direct flight. This is becoming a common workaround for individuals and organizations alike.
Consider the experience of Chiki Fawzi, a volunteer who shared her frustrations on Instagram in December 2025. She and her team found it more economical to fly to Kuala Lumpur before continuing their journey to Sumatra to deliver aid. She pointed out the illogical price difference, stating that a Jakarta to Medan ticket could cost between Rp 8 to Rp 9 million.
“Mau ke Aceh Tengah,flight lewat Malaysia karena harganya lebih masuk akal. Kalau flight langsung ke Medan Rp 8-9 juta, kalau lewat Malaysia sekitar Rp 2 jutaan (Jkt-Malay Rp 1,5jt, Malaysia-Medan Rp 500rb-an),” kata Chika saat itu.
This price difference isn’t just an inconvenience; it presents real challenges. I’ve found that transporting essential supplies, like water purification systems, becomes more intricate when relying on multi-leg journeys. Chiki also raised a critical point: what about those without passports?
Did You Know? According to data from the Central Statistics agency of Indonesia (BPS), domestic air passenger traffic increased by 15% in the fourth quarter of 2025, but affordability remains a significant barrier for many.
Government Awareness and potential Solutions
The issue isn’t going unnoticed by local officials. johni Asadoma, the Vice Governor of East Nusa Tenggara, voiced similar concerns directly to Transportation Minister Dudy during a working visit in December 2025. He specifically highlighted the high ticket prices and the need for increased ferry services.
Asadoma also proposed upgrading the status of the Tenau Kupang Port from a Class III to a Class I port, a suggestion that Minister Dudy reportedly received positively. This upgrade could significantly improve connectivity and perhaps lower transportation costs for residents and goods.
Pro Tip: When planning travel within Indonesia, always compare the cost of direct flights with routes that include layovers in neighboring countries. Utilize flight comparison websites and consider all potential options.
here’s a speedy comparison of potential routes and costs (as of late 2025):
| Route | Approximate Cost (IDR) |
|---|---|
| Jakarta – Medan (Direct) | 8,000,000 – 9,000,000 |
