TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State-owned aviation company Merpati Nusantara Airlines is suspected of embezzling more than Rp71 billion in Workers Social Security (Jamsostek) dues. The claim was made by the Merpati Pilots Association Tuesday, April 1, after confirming with the Jakarta-Gatot Subroto branch of the Jamsostek Implementing Agency (BPJS).

Merpati pilots Ivan Paltak Siregar and Kalma Noveka Wikanto suspected embezzlement by Merpati's management, indicated by the two-percent salary cut every month. "Since we have not been paid since December 2013, we intended to disburse our Jamsostek funds, but it turns out that Merpati is years behind for the payment," Ivan said yesterday.

As a result, Ivan and other Merpati employees are unable to withdraw their social security funds. A letter from the Gatot Subroto BJPS dated February 25, 2014, noted that the last time Merpati paid its Jamsostek due was in November 2009, which was to Rp968 million for 1,350 employees. To date, Merpati is 49 months in arrears on its Jamsostek payment, with the total debt reaching Rp71.14 billion.

Ivan's attorney Ruben Siregar said the overdue payment could be assumed as embezzlement. Ruben threatened to report the case to the police for criminal acts if Merpati's management fails to immediately settle the payment.

When Tempo asked for a confirmation, Merpati's management refused to respond. The fate of Merpati remains unclear to this day after the state-owned company was threatened with bankruptcy and forced to cease its operations last year.

NURUL MAHMUDAH | ANANDA PUTRI