Sea Toll Monopoly Suspicions; Ministry Evaluates Volume, Price

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Transportation Ministry held a meeting with relevant stakeholders to discuss the alleged monopoly in goods shipment via sea tolls in four routes. The meeting was held in Surabaya on November 2.

"We believe there are alleged monopolistic practices in the eastern regions, such as Maluku and Papua," the ministry's director of traffic and sea transportation Wisnu Handoko said in a written statement, November 3.

In the meeting, the Transportation Ministry evaluated the quota of goods shipped and price control as indicators if rules were violated; mainly for shipments via Tanjung Perak as the base port.

President Joko Widodo had mentioned the alleged sea toll monopoly practices in a limited meeting with his ministers. Jokowi asked relevant ministries to follow up on the suspicions, which caused prices to soar.

After the meeting, the Transportation Ministry immediately started a investigation; first by figuring out the modus. Five modus were allegedly used by the shipper, the consignee, and the forwarders.

The Trade Ministry said each province must have at least three business actors acting as shippers; to prevent monopoly. The ministry also mandates consignees to have an integrity pact ensuring they will reduce the price of goods below the market price.

Meanwhile, a representative of the Makassar Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU), Hilman, said he would actively be on the lookout for monopolistic practices in Makassar. He said the local KPPU will also collaborate with other institutions to investigate if there are indications of monopoly.

"We are not only watching out for monopolistic practices, but also for unfair business competition in the logistics process," he said.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA