Shocking new phone rates

Shocking new phone rates

From Media Indonesia

I recently made a call in a wartel (telephone kiosk) at the Griya Asri II housing complex in Tambun, Bekasi, to a number beginning 883 in the same area located less than two kilometers away. The call lasted 1 minute 57 seconds. I was shocked by the amount I had to pay: Rp 2,772. At the start, the display showed Rp 1,890. For the next two minutes it indicated Rp 2,772.

I asked the attendant for an explanation. He said it was a Telkom regulation. He also said that for telephone numbers starting with 883, and some other initial numbers, a long- distance tariff was applied. How can this be?

The distance between the two points is far below 30 kilometers but the prevailing rate is for the so-called Lokal 3, the long- distance tariff. Or is it the kiosk that has its own regulations because it is the only one in the area?

I appeal to Telkom Bekasi branch to inform the public clearly about the system of Lokal 1, Lokal 2 and Lokal 3 at each wartel so that the public knows which areas are subject to the long- distance rates. It would help in avoiding verbal clashes between customers and wartel attendants.

In particular, I would like to request that Telkom install public coin-operated telephones at Griya Asri II as the area has a growing population.

DJUCHLI MAWARDI

Bekasi, West Java