Stifling toll rates

Stifling toll rates

From Bisnis Indonesia

Corruption, collusion and nepotism practices in the construction of toll roads were reported a few months ago.

Government officials have been deft in the competition to suffocate the people in deeper mud by raising telephone rates.

Now, it is the turn of eight investors and managers of toll roads (including the former president's relatives and cronies) to stifle the people.

How can an increase in toll rates be justified? In Indonesia, toll roads are pitch black at night. If there is lighting, it is only limited to a few meters. The roads are full of gaping holes or have a wavy surface.

One of Jakarta's toll roads has had its investment returned, but PT Jasa Marga perseveres in its levies on maintenance and administration. Until when?

The above facts are clear, but the eight investors and managers persist in their proposal for toll rate increases.

At the start of their investment, it was determined that the rates should cause no loss to the managers. There is no need to change the concession because based on calculations of the operational costs and the company's income, there is still a profit.

The toll road investors and managers experience difficulties in paying their debts. Being business people they should be prepared to bear both profits and losses. When they raked in huge profits, none of them proposed a reduction in rates.

SAMSU

Ciamis, West Java