Garuda profitable

In reference to the letter by Soelaiman S. published in The Jakarta Post Sept. 12, 1995, issue entitle Garuda losses, which was picked from Neraca daily, we would like to give the following comments.

* The reporter of Neraca daily who wrote on Aug. 31, 1995, that Garuda Indonesia had suffered losses of US$44 million (Rp 90 billion) has made an error in analyzing and interpreting the given information. If Soelaiman looked into the article carefully, it would be clear that the news about the losses was one-sided, based on one source only, without any comment or opinion from Garuda Indonesia.

* The misinterpretation of the data was corrected by Neraca through its article on Sept. 2, 1995, on the front page, entitled: Garuda Optimis Raih Keuntungan Operasional dalam Semester II 1995 (Garuda is optimistic to obtain profit during the second half of 1995).

* It should noted that during the hearing session with the Commission V of the House of Representatives, the Communications Minister also stated that one of the agencies within the Department of Communications that is always profitable is Garuda Indonesia. During the first half of 1995, Garuda Indonesia pocketed a profit of Rp 98.7 billion. It is hoped that Garuda will even be more successful in making greater profit in the second half of 1995.

However, we appreciate Soelaiman's letter, and Garuda, as a state-owned company and as an agent of development, will do its utmost to benefit the country and nation.

JANSIUS SIAHAAN

Head of Public Relations

Garuda Indonesia

Jakarta