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