JP/5/AMBON
JP/5/AMBON
PT PLN threatens to cut power in Ambon schools
M. Azis Tunny
The Jakarta Post/Ambon
State electricity company PT PLN threatened on Friday to cut
electricity to 27 schools in Ambon city as the schools had not
paid the bills for a number of years.
The company's manager for Maluku and North Maluku operations,
Setiabudi Suhud, said on Friday that the total amount of arrears,
some dating back to 2000, had reached Rp 375.4 million
(US$41,711).
"This is annoying. If they have not settled the debt by May 2,
we will cut electricity to those schools," said Setiabudi.
The electricity cut will be in effect for 30 days. If the
schools still have not paid within 30 days, the state company
will permanently cut electricity to the state schools, he said.
"All of the electricity infrastructure (wires, poles, meters)
will be disassembled if the schools still fail to pay after 30
days," said Setiabudi.
He said that he had also sent a letter to Ambon Mayor MJ
Papilaja to help resolve the problem. Responding to the demand,
the mayor, through a letter dated April 26, asked the electricity
company to extend the deadline.
"However, enough is enough. We have warned the schools for a
long time, and they've ignored all the warnings," said Setiabudi.
Out of the 27 schools, Ambon 1 Vocational High School is the
biggest debtor with arrears between August 2002 and April 2005 at
Rp 214.6 million (US$23,844).
The second biggest debtor is Waiheru 4 Vocational High School,
with arrears between May last year and April this year reaching
Rp 44.2 million.
"The schools are supported by the state, so they should have
no problem with the electricity bills. Apparently, they have used
electricity lavishly and now lack the ability to pay the bills,"
said Setiabudi.
Separately, chief of the education and sports agency in Ambon
Albert Tabalessy confirmed that the mayor had asked PT PLN to
extend the deadline. "Through the letter, the mayor has said that
the bills will be paid in stages until June this year," said
Tabalessy.