PT KAI fails to pay electricity bill

PT KAI fails to pay electricity bill

BOGOR (JP): If the state electricity company (PLN) had cut off
the power supply to Bogor railway station on Wednesday due to the
Rp 17 billion in arrears owed to PLN, at least 35,000 passengers
of electric commuter trains would have been stranded, and chaos
could well have ensued.

The electric commuter trains plying the Bogor-Jakarta route
are very popular with Bogor residents who work in the capital.

Kusdiyono, deputy stationmaster in Bogor, acknowledged that
PLN had earlier set the payment deadline for Wednesday, meaning
that the power should have been cut off on that day. "However,
another letter from PLN was received on Tuesday, saying that the
action would be deferred, following PT KAI's promise to pay off
the arrears by installments."

Bogor PLN office spokesman Suargina confirmed the PT KAI
arrears to PLN and the PLN ultimatum.

"I know that the PT KAI arrears amount to Rp 17 billion, but I
don't know exactly since when the railway company has been
failing to pay its bills," said Suargina.

Bogor Police chief Sr. Supt. Taufik Ridha, in an impromptu
visit to the station on Wednesday, said that cutting off the
power could create disturbances.

"Without any intention of interfering, we would very much
appreciate it if PLN would inform the police before making such a
crucial decision. Maybe we could participate in arriving at a
better solution. There are times when we should not look at
things solely from a business perspective." (21/sur)