THE government must shut down Merpati (Dove) Nusantara Airlines. The losses of the state-owned airline are massive, and a great burden on the national debt. The current steps of the State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Ministry to improve Merpati's health are not very encouraging. With mounting debts there is no longer any reason to retain the airline.

Last week, SOEs Minister Dahlan Iskan shut down Merpati temporarily to prevent further damage. This