TEMPO.CO, Bekasi – Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has suggested that the problems besetting national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia should be resolved through discussions. Budi made the suggestion amid strike threats made by Garuda's workers' union, including its pilots.
"I urge the related parties to think clearly, especially the pilots," said Budi Karya in Cibitung, Bekasi, Thursday, May 3.
The Employees Union of PT Garuda Indonesia (Sekarga) has demanded mediation between Garuda employees and the directors. The employees attributed Garuda's losses, which amounted to US$ 213,389,678 in 2017, to Garuda directors' failure in managing the company and threatened to strike.
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Budi said the pilots were well-educated people, thus things should be discussed thoroughly. "Let's talk, do not strike, so there is a solution," he said.
According to Budi, Garuda is one of the nation's prides and should not be bothered by uncompromising troubles.
"We are eastern people who can talk, I advise Garuda pilots to talk with the directors," he said.
Budi Karya Sumadi also hoped Garuda Indonesia's board of directors could recognize the problems in the field. "[They] must be factual in solving the problems," he said.
ADI WARSONO
