Asperindo calls for review of bill on the postal service

JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Express Delivery Services (Asperindo) demanded on Monday a review of the bill on the postal service as they claimed it only benefits the state- owned postal company PT Pos Indonesia.

The bill is in its final discussion among a team involving officials from the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, PT Pos Indonesia, former officials of PT Pos, philatelists, the Chamber of Commerce and Asperindo.

It is due to be submitted to the House of Representatives after the recess period in January.

In a media conference on Monday, Asperindo specifically raised objection to a ban which forbids private companies to deliver letters, documents and other packages weighing less than 500 grams.

"That's crazy because most of us deliver letters and documents which mostly weigh under 500 grams," said Asperindo's secretary general Bambang Subandio.

"It will kill our businesses!" he said.

The bill also stipulates that the companies who violate the ban could face a two-year prison sentence and/or a Rp 400 million (US$42,105) fine.

"Most of our members are only small companies and can't afford the fine. Beside, we're not committing a crime. The sanction is ridiculous," Bambang said.

Established in 1986, Asperindo comprises of some 300 private express delivery companies from all over the country, which in total employ, over 25,000 people.

There are another 374 companies who hold licenses to run such a service in Indonesia but are not members of Asperindo.

Asperindo suggested that the weight minimum is lowered to 50 grams and also demanded the redefinition of a "letter".

"Everything which comes in an envelope is considered a letter. What about credit cards, flyers or invitation cards?" said Bambang.

However this suggestion, according to Bambang, has been refused by the drafting team.

The executive director of PT Tiki Jalur Nugraha Ekakurir, Johari Zein, said that the bill gives a monopoly right to PT Pos Indonesia.

"What are they afraid of? We're not PT Pos competitors. If many of our businesses go out of service because of the new law can PT Pos handle all of the postal service?" Johari charged.

"The government should support the private sector as we provide work for people," he added.

President Director of PT Intrapola Global Ekspres Edwarsyah H.R. called on market mechanisms to decide which service it wants to choose.

"For delivering letters in the same city for example, it's obvious that our fee is more expensive. So, what's the use of a monopoly?" he said. (hdn)