Jakarta, April 7, 2026 – The Europe Today: The Government of Indonesia has officially set a maximum fuel surcharge of 38 percent for airlines, responding to a sharp rise in aviation fuel prices driven by ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Announced by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto during a press conference on Monday, the policy applies uniformly to all aircraft types, including both jet and propeller-powered planes.
Under the revised framework, the fuel surcharge for jet aircraft has increased from the previous cap of 10 percent to 38 percent, marking a 28 percent rise. For propeller aircraft, the surcharge has been raised from 25 percent to 38 percent, reflecting a 13 percent increase.
“Previously, it was only 10 percent for jets and 25 percent for propellers, but now both have been adjusted to 38 percent,” Hartarto stated.
A fuel surcharge is an additional fee imposed by airlines to offset fluctuations in global fuel prices. The minister noted that aviation fuel costs have surged across the region, with jet fuel priced at approximately Rp29,518 (US$1.71) per liter in Thailand and Rp25,326 (US$1.45) per liter in the Philippines.
In Indonesia, aviation fuel prices at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport have reached Rp23,551 (US$1.34) per liter.
Despite the increase, the government aims to contain the impact on consumers, targeting domestic airfare hikes within a range of 9 to 13 percent.
Meanwhile, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia emphasized that fuel supplied by Pertamina remains competitive compared to regional markets.
“Although prices have risen, our aviation fuel remains more competitive than that of neighboring countries,” he said, adding that pricing is influenced by global market dynamics as Indonesia also serves as a refueling hub for international aviation.
The policy reflects Jakarta’s efforts to balance rising operational costs for airlines with the need to maintain affordable air travel for the public.
