Merak ferry operators seek higher fares after costs jump
Gapasdap says fares remain 31.8 percent below HPP since the 2019 review, while ship oil prices have risen as much as 60 percent.
Gabungan Pengusaha Nasional Angkutan Sungai, Danau, dan Penyeberangan (Gapasdap) is urging the government to adjust ferry fares as ship operating costs continue to rise. Togar Napitupulu, chairman of the Gapasdap Merak branch, said the biggest pressure comes from the rupiah's weakening against the U.S. dollar, which has pushed up maintenance costs and imported components. He said ship oil prices have increased by as much as 60 percent, spare parts 30-40 percent, and docking and classification renewal costs by about 20 percent. Gapasdap said current fares do not yet cover the costs needed to meet service and safety standards. The group also warned that sailing frequency per ship is declining as more vessels are added on the same route. In addition to fare increases in line with HPP, the association proposed eliminating PNBP and fuel taxes, lowering port and classification fees, and providing low-interest loans for the maritime sector.