Riddles around Merpati Airlines

The weather was reportedly clear when the Merpati Airlines MZ- 106 aircraft crashed on Belitung Island. It is a pity that the circumstances that might explain why the tragedy occurred are not very clear.

Ever since its inception, Merpati has had to bear a heavy burden. There was a time when the airline was given the task of operating pioneer flights to isolated areas, which clearly had to be subsidized. Then, for unexplained reasons, it had to give up a number of routes that were beginning to become profitable, and surrender them to other airlines.

Furthermore, Merpati does not have the freedom to select the aircraft it believes it needs for its operations. The job of supporting domestic production and relieving the oversupply of aircraft owned by government institutions has to be considered, as is its obligation to do so.

It is difficult to expect Merpati to be able to take off, unless some fundamental changes are made. The most important change that should be made is to clearly define the company's status: whether it is to operate as a business or as one whose mission is noncommercial.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta