TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati admitted that the state is losing a lot of potential revenues from dividend payouts by state-owned enterprises (SOE). It is estimated that 21 out of more than 100 SOEs suffered losses as per the first half on 2017.

"Because of the loss, they certainly cannot pay dividends," Sri said in Jakarta, Wednesday, August 30.

According to Sri, the first semester's dividend revenue has reached Rp32 trillion from the year-round target of Rp43.7 trillion. She is confident that the target will be met, plus a six-percent growth from last year's figures.

She hopes that the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission VI will continue to monitor the SOEs' performance to remain accountable.

Among the 21 state-owned companies that are likely unable to pay dividends are Krakatau Steel, Kimia Farma, and Garuda Indonesia (Persero). These companies performed badly and were unable to compete with private firms.

Perum Bulog and Pertamina also suffered losses due to their national duties of stabilizing the prices of food and fuel oil.

The SOE Ministry's secretary Imam Putro said 24 state-owned companies are still losing money until the first semester of 2017. Nine of them are practically collapsing, including Merpati Nusantara Airlines, Kertas Leces, Pengembangan Armada Niaga Nasional, and PT Iglas.

ANDI IBNU