Newspapers resist cost increases

Newspapers resist cost increases

SRAGEN, Central Java: The Newspaper Publishers Union (SPS) is
still negotiating with the government and the Paper Producers
Association (APKI) to set the price for newsprint which is to be
raised on Oct.1.

SPS Chairman Sugeng Wijaya said the hike is unavoidable
because of the soaring price of imported raw materials for paper.

"SPS doesn't object to the hike, but the increase must be
effected gradually," he told reporters after addressing a
workshop on newspaper management development on Friday.

The paper producers have proposed a 12 percent hike for
newsprint, or Rp 127 (US$0.58), from the present Rp 1,060 per
kilogram.

Minister of Information Harmoko, after opening the meeting,
said the increase was not yet final. (har/rms)