Dahlan: Finance Ministry Wants to Shut Down Merpati

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Dahlan Iskan, said that there are indications that the Finance Ministry would rather shut down Merpati Nusantara Airlines based on reports from his staff after a meeting with the Finance Ministry. "I've sent a letter to the Finance Ministry. But they are still indications, not decision," said Dahlan yesterday.

According to Dahlan, there are three ways to revive the nearly bankrupt airline: converting debt to stock, reorganizing the company to overcome accumulation of losses, and establish operational cooperation with other companies. Until last January, Merpati's debt had reached Rp 7.6 trillion. The airline has stopped all operational and business activity since February because of financial issues and having its operational permit suspended by the Ministry of Transportation.

There are also three additional options to save Merpati: waiting for the Transportation Ministry to issue a permit; holding talks with Xi'an, producer of MA60 aircraft used by Merpati together with Sukhoi to request operational support; and finding new investors.

Deputy Minister of Finance Bambang Brodjonegoro refused to provide any comment related to the issue. On July 7, Finance Minister Chatib Basri said that he had not received any recommendation letter from Dahlan. "Dahlan always speaks to newspaper, not to me," Chatib said.

The Finance Ministry has held a meeting with Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Chairul Tanjung to discuss the fate of the airline. Chairul concluded that the costs for shutting down Merpati are more expensive than the costs for saving it.

FAIZ NASHRILLAH | PERSIANA GALIH