Susi Pudjiastuti Complains That Her Flight Service Business Is Losing Due To COVID-19

JAKARTA - Susi Air airline service business entrepreneur, Susi Pudjiastuti, complained that her business suffered a loss of up to 95 percent due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Susi's business did not receive income for two months, because the government had limited the use of public transportation including flights.

Actually, Susi still runs aviation services, but only on logistics matters and is unable to cover her business losses.

He continues to run this business because of routine expenses, such as extension of vehicle registration, pilot letters, payment of security clearers, and aircraft maintenance.

"It's all burdens that keep going. But, there is no flight at all. So, I think the current economic (state) is the most difficult in my business life. In life I work, try, yes this time (the hardest)," said Susi. in a virtual discussion broadcast on Youtube BNPB, East Jakarta, Friday, 12 June.

As a result of this loss, the former Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries was forced to close many of the branch offices he owned, sell several assets, to lay off employees, and terminate Susi Air employees.

Susi asked the government to issue a policy in the form of incentives for entrepreneurs engaged in the aviation sector like herself. For example, waiving the obligation to collect costs for each aircraft bleeding that is included in the Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP).

So far, continued Susi, they are still required to pay PNBP, as well as all permits such as business permits and flight permits. In fact, there was a flight ban before the government finally reopened public transportation.

"Free PNBP obligations. We are in deficit. Until June, we are still maintaining our obligations to employees, to stakeholders, to banks, while we have zero income," said Susi.

"During normal times, I do not fly, I will be fined. Now, we are not allowed to fly by the government. I do not ask for compensation, but at least our routine obligations are released," he concluded.