Damri loses Rp 200 million

BANDUNG: State bus company Damri suffered a Rp 200 million (US$29,800) loss during the campaign period for this year's general election, an official said on Friday.

The head of the Damri branch here, Mochammad Kasman Noer, said a number of the company's buses could not operate during the May 19 to June 4 campaign period due to heavy traffic congestion and few passengers.

Kasman said none of his buses were seriously damaged by campaigners.

The loss added insult to injury for the company, which is now seeking funds to survive the prolonged economic crisis, Kasman said.

He said the company had to spend Rp 10 million every three months simply to change the tires on each bus.

The company currently operates 200 buses, with a maximum capacity of 140,000 passengers per day. (43)