JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – The Indonesian government is opening opportunities for foreign airlines to operate domestic routes, aiming to address the current shortage of aircraft in the country. The Ministry of Transportation has emphasized that foreign carriers must create job opportunities for local workers, including cabin crew and aircraft technicians, as a condition for operating domestically. This move comes as the global aviation industry faces challenges in aircraft production, impacting the availability of new planes for Indonesian airlines.

Dudy Purwaghandi, a representative from the Ministry of Transportation, highlighted the difficulties in acquiring new aircraft due to production challenges faced by global manufacturers Boeing and Airbus. Both companies are currently dealing with regulatory compliance issues and product repairs, slowing down their ability to meet demand. This has made it increasingly difficult for Indonesian airlines to expand their fleets, prompting the government to consider alternative solutions, including allowing foreign airlines to serve domestic routes.

While welcoming foreign airlines, the government has set strict conditions to ensure that their operations benefit the local economy. Foreign carriers must employ Indonesian workers in key roles, such as cabin crew and maintenance technicians. This requirement aims to create job opportunities and support the domestic workforce. Dudy emphasized that this policy is a win-win solution, addressing both the aircraft shortage and unemployment challenges in the aviation sector.

The global aviation industry is currently grappling with supply chain disruptions and regulatory hurdles, which have delayed the delivery of new aircraft. Indonesia, heavily reliant on Boeing and Airbus for its fleet, has felt the impact of these challenges. The weakening of the Indonesian rupiah against the US dollar has further exacerbated the situation, increasing the cost of aircraft parts and aviation fuel. These factors have squeezed profit margins for domestic airlines, making it harder for them to operate efficiently.