Postage increase

The cost of sending letters, etc. through the mail has increased tremendously. To send a letter (regular) to Europe, which previously cost Rp 1,500, now costs Rp 12,000. Of course this is no surprise, as the dollar has also increased five or sixfold.

It is uncertain whether the price increase, which was implemented just recently, is a result of the government's consideration to delay the increase in the interest of the public, or if it reflects general government inefficiency.

What is more certain, is that once again the government made no adequate plans in preparing for the increase, as no new stamps of higher denominational value have been issued. Therefore, airmail letters heading for America, Europe and other foreign destinations are filled with stamps of Rp 2,000 and Rp 1,000 value.

Recently, a friend sent a 50 gram letter to Europe, costing Rp 52,800. More than 20 stamps filled both sides of the letter, adding to the weight significantly.

It is imperative that the government issue new stamps of high denominational value in order to save us from a postal crisis!

AMIR SIDHARTA

Jakarta