Travelling home should not break the bank, but for many Indonesians, domestic flight prices are making it increasingly difficult.
With domestic flight prices in Indonesia skyrocketing, many Indonesians—especially those from Batam—have found a more budget-friendly way to return home: flying via Malaysia.
Soaring domestic airfares push travellers to look elsewhere
According to MetroTvNews, ticket prices for flights from Batam to major cities like Jakarta and Medan have surged dramatically, with some fares exceeding RM900 (Rp3 million).
This steep increase has made direct domestic travel unaffordable for many, as reported by The Vocket.
Surprisingly, flights from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta can be found for as low as RM150 (Rp500,000), making it a far more economical choice.
Rini Afriani, a Batam resident, shared her experience:
“I got a ticket from KL to Jakarta for just RM150, while from Batam, it would have cost me more than RM900. Besides being cheaper, I also get to do some sightseeing in Malaysia.”
A cheaper alternative
For those living in Batam, which is strategically located near both Singapore and Malaysia, travelling home via these neighbouring countries has become an increasingly popular option.
Many travellers now take a ferry from Batam to Johor Bahru or Singapore, then travel to Kuala Lumpur before catching a flight to Jakarta or other Indonesian cities.
While this route involves more steps, it significantly reduces travel costs especially for families.
As domestic airfare in Indonesia continues to rise, more travellers are choosing this alternative route, proving that sometimes, taking the longer way home can be the smarter and more cost-effective choice.
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