Kites disrupt communication

TEGAL, Central Java (JP): The local branch office of PT Telkom has found kites one of its biggest enemies.

Kite strings rub and expose the cable of overhead telephone lines, disrupting telecommunications and causing the state-owned company substantial losses, a Telkom official said last week.

Sri Hardi said that kite strings have caused 34 percent of the damage to suspended cables as compared to that caused by friction from trees (5.38 percent) and passing vehicles (1.7 percent).

The company is considering replacing overhead cables with underground ones because rats and corrosion are less dangerous than kite strings, he said.

He decline to estimate PT Telkom's loss in financial terms. (wah/pan)