Merpati To Discuss Restructuring Plan With Minister

Jakarta, Sept 16 (Antara) - The management of Merpati Nusantara Airlines expects to meet with Transportation Minister Evert Ernest Mangindaan to discuss the state-owned airline company`s restructuring plan. "Merpati will meet me," Transportation Minister EE Mangindaan said here on Monday. The minister added that he was seeking a time to hold the meeting and to discuss problems faced by Merpati. The minister said he believes the meeting will be held next week. He added that those at the meeting will discuss Marpati`s problems in an effort to return the company to its past glory. Merpati`s President Director Asep Eka Nugraha noted, "We will not carry out expansion for the time being, but focus on the restructuring plan." He said his company would focus on restructuring in a number of stages, so it would survive until it met its minimum requirements. After that, Merpati will begin operating under its business plan, with a focus on offering flights to Indonesia`s eastern regions. Asep said Merpati officials were optimistic that the company complete its business expansion, which was scheduled to take place from 2016 to 2017. He also said that the business expansion plan will be carried out based upon cooperating with the Asset Management Company (PPA) and Merpati`s management. Additionally, he explained that internal business had been operating normally and the company�s industrial relations problem has been resolved.