Erick Thohir Will Merge Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, and Pelita Air, Why?

Dream - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), Erick Thohir, plans to merge three domestic airlines, namely Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, and Pelita Air.

"We also strive for Pelita Air, Citilink, and Garuda merger to reduce cost," said Erick in his statement, quoted from Merdeka.com, Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

The reason for the merger is part of the efficiency process to reduce logistics costs. For Erick, efficiency in state-owned enterprises continues to be the main agenda for the companies he leads.

"After carrying out a series of efficiency programs on four Pelindos," said Erick.

Indonesia Still Lacks Aircraft due to Logistics Costs

Erick revealed that Indonesia still lacks about 200 aircraft in the aviation business, one of the causes is the high logistics costs.

This calculation is obtained from a comparison between the United States and Indonesia. In the United States, there are 7,200 aircraft serving domestic routes with a market share of 300 million population.

In Uncle Sam's country, the average GDP (income per capita) reaches US$40,000. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, with a population of 280 million, the GDP is US$4,700.

"That means Indonesia needs 729 aircraft. However, currently, Indonesia only has 550 aircraft. So, our logistics is not in line," said Erick.

Through this merger plan, he hopes that logistics costs in Indonesia will continue to decrease. Thus, it will enhance the competitiveness of the domestic business world.

"State-owned enterprises continue to reduce logistic costs. Pelindo goes from 4 (companies) to 1. Previously, logistic costs reached 23 percent, now it's 11 percent. We also strive for Pelita Air, Citilink, and Garuda merger to reduce costs," said Erick.

Erick Thohir Speaks Out about State-Owned Enterprise Employees Suspected of Involvement in Terrorism

Dream - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir speaks out about the arrest of DE, an employee of PT Kereta Api Indonesia, who is suspected of involvement in a terrorism network.

"I have made a strong statement that terrorism is something that is not good and it must be enforced by law," said Erick Thohir in Jakarta, Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

Previously, the management of KAI, including the President Commissioner of KAI Said Aqil Siradj, has expressed their stance regarding this case. In short, KAI supports the legal process and does not provide room for terrorism actions.

Erick fully supports what KAI has done. However, regarding the tightening of employee selection at KAI, Erick only leaves it to the company's management. "Ask the CEO and the commissioners," said Erick Thohir.

Meanwhile, Member of Commission VI of the Indonesian Parliament, Achmad Baidowi, said that Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir must take preventive measures and provide guidance to the employees of state-owned enterprises to prevent exposure to radicalism.

"Based on this, it should be a concern for the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises to take preventive measures and provide guidance to the employees of state-owned enterprises, so that they are not exposed to radicalism that leads to terrorist acts," said Awiek.

With the alleged involvement of state-owned enterprise employees in acts of terrorism, he added, it raises awareness that terrorism threats to the unity of the Republic of Indonesia still exist.

"The fact that terrorism can infiltrate the government-owned institutions that should be at the forefront of fighting terrorism," he added.

Evidence that State-Owned Enterprise Employees are Still Vulnerable

Moreover, with the arrest of DE, an employee of PT KAI, it confirms the findings of an institution some time ago that many employees in state-owned enterprises are terrorists.

"The deradicalization program in state-owned enterprises is not running optimally," he emphasized.

Therefore, he reminded Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir to take the issue of radicalism in his environment more seriously, as it can be the seed of terrorism.

"Don't let state-owned enterprises be labeled as one of the breeding grounds for terrorism. Don't get caught up in the political turmoil leading up to 2024," said Awiek.

Source: Liputan6.com