Team to tackle PLN problems

Team to tackle PLN problems

JAKARTA (JP): The government has formed a team to give
recommendations on ways resolve problems faced by state-owned
electricity firm PLN, including those with independent power
producers (IPPs).

The team is headed by a deputy to state minister for the
empowerment of state enterprises, Markus Permadi, assisted by the
director of electricity at the Ministry of Mines and Energy,
Endro Utomo Notodisuryo.

Markus and Endro told journalists yesterday evening that the
team had four sections covering finance, operation, privatization
and cooperation with private electricity firms.

"We will complete our assessments in two months and give
recommendations on how to settle all those problems, including
those on finance and contracts with IPPs," Endro said.

PLN president Djiteng Marsudi annulled last week its power
purchase contract with Cikarang Listrindo, an IPP owned by former
president Soeharto's cousin Sudwikatmono.

Djiteng's move received wide support from the public,
including several legislators, but was opposed by State Minister
for the Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng. (jsk/rid)