On emergency landing

I was very disturbed by the article in The Jakarta Post on Sept. 9 regarding the recent emergency landing of Garuda flight 601 at Makassar and would like some clarification from Garuda about this matter.

The article describes engine trouble with a rapid drop in cabin air pressure and that few oxygen masks in the aircraft were functioning. It goes on to describe how all passengers and stewardesses were panicking and screaming.

I can understand that mechanical problems occur occasionally on aircraft. But this article leaves me wondering just what level of safety procedures Garuda employs on its aircraft and with its flight attendants. Screaming and panicking stewardesses and lack of functioning oxygen masks would certainly make me want to return to Jakarta by different means as the article describes.

Although, after that type of experience I would probably consider rowing home as Garuda's competition does not instill a lot of confidence either.

Would a senior official from Garuda please respond and assure the flying public that you do have proper emergency procedures and functioning safety equipment, and an associated training program for flight attendants?

MICHAEL BRADY

Jakarta