Delaying the Rot
At long last, the government is ready to take over Rp26.9 trillion of PLN's debts. But this step is only treating the symptoms rather than the disease.
April 24, 2001
THE god of redemption has finally deigned to cast its glance upon state-owned electricity company PLN. After tossing the problem around for almost six months, the government has finally agreed that Rp26.9 trillion of PLN's debts are to be converted into government shares. The conversion, however, has to be accompanied by a revaluation of assets, because all PLN assets are valued based on an exchange rate of Rp2,450, while currently the rate is Rp1...