Deputy Minister Of SOEs: Pelni, ASDP, And Pelindo Mergers Are Still Being Reviewed

Deputy Minister of SOEs II Kartika Wirjoatmodjo. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (Wamen BUMN) Kartika Wirjoatmodjo (Tiko) stated that the merger of PT Pelni, PT ASDP, and PT Pelindo to become a maritime sector holding is still in the assessment stage.

Tiko on the sidelines attended the departure of 730 passengers using the Pelni Ship KM Labobar, at Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta, Sunday, December 29, saying that the results of the study are expected to only come out in the first quarter of 2025.

"Still being studied, (when will the study come out?) maybe in the first quarter (2025)," said Tiko, quoted by Antara.

However, Tiko did not provide a more detailed explanation regarding the plan to melt the shipping company.

He only explained that the ongoing study includes commercial and legal aspects that need to be carefully considered.

"The study was first, commercial studies were the same as legal studies," said Tiko briefly.

Previously, SOE Minister Erick Thohir would combine PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia or PT Pelni (Persero) and PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) with PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) or Pelindo.

"Certainly, because it pushed back how logistics costs could be lower, safety for passengers, then if the port is good, the management of Pelni's ship is easier, the ASDP is also better. Everything is a synchronization for both passengers and goods that have been separated from each other," said Erick, in Jakarta, Tuesday (17/12).

He revealed that Pelindo would later become the holding company. "The one who is the parent of Pelindo," he said.

Erick is optimistic that the number of SOEs will decrease by up to 30 companies to focus on their respective duties.

Since taking office in 2019, Erick has planned to reduce the number of SOEs. In June 2020, the Ministry of SOEs has reduced the number of SOEs from 142 companies to 107 companies.

This is done as part of the SOE restructuring program, which aims to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of BUMN performance. Currently, the number of companies under SOEs has reached 41 corporations.

Erick emphasized that SOEs must have three pillars. First, SOEs must be a healthy corporation in order to contribute to state revenue through taxes and dividends.

The second pillar, SOEs must contribute to economic growth. The third pillar of SOEs is that it must be a driving force for the people's economy, especially now as much as 92 percent of the total ultra micro and micro loans in Indonesia are channeled by SOEs.