Telkom's increased rates

Telkom's increased rates

From Merdeka

Many telephone subscribers have protested the new rates introduced by Telkom telephone company. Even House Of Representative members have joined in the protests. However, the Telkom board of directors remains intransigent in its shocking decision.

The decision will result in many customers withdrawing their subscriptions. Their number will exceed the number of those canceling their subscriptions due to the economic crisis (tens of thousands of customers). In three or four months' time it will be known whether the increased rates yield a higher revenue for Telkom or not.

In the event of a reduction in Telkom's revenue, its directors must resign from the board as a consequence of their decision.

The community is well aware that during the New Order regime Telkom's operations were interfered with. In the 1970s the use of the Palapa satellite to replace the existing system was questioned. The problem was that economically the use of a satellite entailed high cost. The debate was closed by the then minister of trade Soemitro Djojohadikusumo who said that the decision to use a satellite was a "political decision".

Satellites of subsequent generations had higher capacities, far above the capacity needed. It was a waste. We were coaxed into financing their surveys in saying yes to businesses that were a burden to the people.

Again, the burden of the high cost is charged to the community even though we are experiencing an economic crisis. What is even more saddening is that all state-owned companies experience the same fate: the state electricity company PLN, the banks, the ports and the mines. Now it is the turn of Telkom. Who is responsible?

OERIP HARTONO

Jakarta