Pertamina's appeal trial delayed

JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta District Court postponed on Wednesday the first hearing of an appeal filed by state oil company Pertamina against penalties imposed by the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) on the firm for violations in its super tanker sales.

Presiding judge Agus Subroto said the hearing was rescheduled for April 11 to enable the KKPU to present the files of its investigation into Pertamina's alleged violation of fair business competition in the sale of two of its tankers worth US$184 million last year.

The KPPU said the sales had inflicted $50 million in losses on the state as the market price of each very large crude carrier was quoted at between $120 million and $150 million.

Pertamina lawyer Amir Syamsuddin insisted on Wednesday there was no business discrimination, collusion or direct appointment in the sale. -- JP