'Don't buy from scalpers'

JAKARTA (JP): Merpati Nusantara, the state-owned domestic air carrier, has called on the public to book tickets at official windows to avoid scalpers.

In a statement released yesterday, the company said that people planning to travel to Pangkalpinang (Bangka, South Sumatra), Tanjung Pandan (Belitung, South Sumatra) and Pontianak (West Kalimantan) between the Feb. 2 and Feb. 8 period, were encouraged to go to Merpati's headquarters on Jl. Angkasa, Central Jakarta.

"Especially those who don't have confirmed tickets with official prices for that period are encouraged to visit Merpati's headquarters," it stated.

Merpati said that to avoid blocked seats and price manipulation, people must not make double reservations with any other office or personnel outside Merpati's office.

Several dailies reported yesterday that airfares from Jakarta to Pangkalpinang, Tanjung Pandan and Pontianak were sold at 100 percent above the official prices.

Scalpers often control the sale of plane, train and ship tickets during the holiday periods.

Merpati said that people who want to channel any complaints may dial 6540656 or 6548888, extension 5401, 5410 or 5420. (icn)