Vice governor of Papua Province, Clement Tinal (Jubi)
Jayapura, 2/11 (Jubi) – Papua Deputy Governor Klemen Tinal said cash-strapped PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines should be allowed to continue operations because it was a pioneer company that has served Papua for many years.
“The government of Papua Province believe PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines should be saved. In big cities, there are many flights with competitive prices. But in Papua, Merpati is a pioneer airline and has been faithful in serving Papuans and remote areas in Papua, “ Tinal told journalists in Jayapura on Tuesday (11/2).
He said the state-owned airline had contributed significantly to development in the province.
“People of Papua will be very sad if this airline stops operating,” he said.
The Indonesian government has decided to suspend all Merpati’s flights following its inability to find a solution to its financial troubles.
Media reports said Merpati had been unable to buy fuel from Pertamina because the state energy company requires the airline to pay in cash following its failure to pay Rp165 billion in debt to Pertamina. (Jubi / Alex/ Tina )
