Garuda profitable

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