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)