There Is An Allegation Of Interference Of The Batam-Singapore Ferry Cartel, KPPU Discusses With The Riau Islands DPRD And The Employers' Association

BATAM - The Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) of Medan Regional Office I is investigating reports related to the alleged Batam-Singapore ferry cartel.

"At this time, KPPU is still investigating reports from the public regarding the alleged Batam-Singapore Ferry Cartel," said Head of KPPU Regional Office I Medan Ridho Pamungkas in Batam, Riau Islands, Antara, Friday, August 5.

Ridho said that his party had held discussions with the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) of the Riau Islands Province (Kepri) and business associations under the Batam Chamber of Commerce.

"We have also clarified the reports submitted to the KPPU, as well as collecting data and information from the field," he said.

After that, when the data and information needed in the report clarification stage were deemed sufficient, according to him, the team was not required to clarify it to the ship operator.

However, to complete the analysis related to the alleged cartel, the team is preparing a written request for data and information to the ship operator and other stakeholders in Batam City.

Until now, said Ridho, his party has not been able to state that they have found the alleged Batam-Singapore ferry cartel. However, it is only limited to the alleged occurrence of the fixing of ship ticket prices.

The indications obtained by the team include, among other things, a significant increase in ferry ticket prices at the same price and carried out simultaneously. It would be illogical with different ship specifications and operating costs, he continued, ship operators would offer the same price at an uncompetitive rate.

If after going through the law enforcement stage it is found that there is a violation of Law Number 5 of 1999 concerning the Prohibition of Monopolistic Practices and Unfair Business Competition, KPPU may impose sanctions in the form of a minimum fine of Rp. 1 billion and a maximum of 10 percent of sales or 50 percent of profits as long as they run cartel practice.

In addition to fines, KPPU can also order business actors to cancel the cartel agreement or agreement so that it returns to the market mechanism.

It was explained that the KPPU's sanctions were only given to business actors. If there are other parties who play a role, KPPU can declare the other party guilty and provide recommendations to the institution or institution that supervises the other party.