JAKARTA, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia has begun lowering the cost of air tickets for passengers flying with select state-owned airlines ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays, a minister said on Wednesday.
Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir told reporters that some airlines, including Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, and Pelita Air, have reduced fares by approximately 10 percent.
"Everything has been arranged in accordance with President Prabowo Subianto's directives," Thohir said, expressing gratitude to the relevant stakeholders involved in the initiative.
He further explained that the government introduced this scheme to ease the financial burden on travelers during the holiday season.
On Tuesday, Prabowo said the initiative marks the first time in several years that the government has reduced flight fares. The president also emphasized that the reduction does not result in losses for the airlines. ■