RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Transportation is pushing to accelerate the implementation of a zero percent tax policy on imported aircraft components, aimed at improving airline efficiency and strengthening the national aviation industry.

Director of Air Transport at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Agustinus Budi Hartono, said the policy harmonization process with other ministries is ongoing and expected to be completed soon. “Hopefully, the exemption from entry fees for spare parts can be realized quickly,” Agustinus said on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

He explained that the government has harmonized the policy to eliminate import duties and taxes on aircraft components as part of regulatory improvements. The process was previously carried out with the Ministry of Industry and is now in its final stage at the Ministry of Finance.

According to the Ministry of Transportation, the policy will benefit the aviation industry by helping airlines reduce operational costs and maintain stability during challenging times. “We hope this policy can be implemented soon because it will help fellow airlines,” Agustinus added.

In addition to the tax policy, the government is refining the fuel surcharge mechanism to better respond to fluctuations in aviation fuel prices. The system enables quicker, more precise adjustments, providing businesses with certainty while considering passengers' interests.

Agustinus noted that the fuel surcharge remains at 50 percent because aviation fuel prices are still within the government-set range. However, adjustments may be made if fuel prices decline further, allowing the surcharge to be reduced in line with energy market conditions.

The Ministry of Transportation also observed that most airlines do not always apply the maximum allowable fares, except during peak travel seasons.

The Indonesian National Airline Association (INACA) has long hoped that the zero percent tax policy for aircraft component imports could be implemented this year to support the national aviation industry.

INACA General Chair Denon Prawiraatmadja said the policy has been a major concern for the industry, directly linked to operational cost efficiency and strengthening connectivity across the country.

According to Denon, aviation industry players and policymakers have been advocating for such incentives for more than a decade. (Misni Parjiati)