Minister Uno Notes Batam-Singapore Ferry Tickets Price Increase

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno highlighted the increase in the price of ferry tickets from Batam to Singapore and vice versa which is considered expensive. The ticket price is currently IDR 800,000 one way, whereas previously it was only IDR 400,000.

"We have discussed issues related to the price of expensive ferry tickets to Singapore in bilateral talks," said Sandiaga Uno in Batam, Riau Islands, Tuesday, May 31, 2022.

The ticket price increase for the Batam-Singapore and Singapore-Batam ferry had made Batam residents disappointed because the increase reached 100 percent. The increase in ferry ticket prices has previously been discussed by the Batam City parliament, which considers the increase in ferry ticket prices is unreasonable because it will affect the number of visitors.

Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad added that the rules for entering and leaving tourists in Riau Islands have been simplified one by one, including the insurance for foreign tourists who come to Riau Islands.

"Because insurance is still burdensome for foreign tourists who come to our place. Ferry tickets are also still expensive. We will check later, we will gather agents to discuss this, "said Ansar Ahmad.

Ansar hopes that by solving this problem, the enthusiasm for tourism in Riau Islands will immediately improve. "Mr. Minister, don't forget, this Riau Islands has the second largest number of foreign tourist visits after Bali," said Ansar.