The death of our airlines

The death of our airlines

Five of our regular airlines are reported to be on the brink
of being compelled to halt their operations because of soaring
operating expenses and falling revenues sparked by the prolonged
economic crisis. These five airlines -- Garuda Indonesia, Bouraq,
Mandala, Merpati and Dirgantara Air Service -- are at present in
severe difficulties because their revenues are unable to balance
their operating expenses, which are mostly in foreign exchange,
U.S. dollars in particular. A sixth airline, Sempati Air, has
already ceased operating for the same reason.

Whatever one may say, our national airline industry is a
national asset no less important than our banking industry and
must be saved. The airline industry is closely linked to other
industries, such as hotels and tourism. The growth and state of
the airline industry has a powerful impact on those related
industries. For this reason, our airlines must not all be allowed
to cease operating and perish in such tragic circumstances.

There is no reason for the government to allow the above-
mentioned airlines to halt their operations on the basis of mere
financial calculations. Our nation's good standing and reputation
is also at stake. If those airlines are allowed to die, it will
be extremely difficult to revive them. The death of our national
airlines also means the ruin of our national reputation.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta