JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – The Minister of State Owned Enterprises (SOE’s) Dahlan Iskan had on Wednesday (July 31) dismissed 5 directors of debt-ridden state owned PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines, and appointed 3 new directors to take important assignments for revitalizing and restructuring the airline’s debt.

That 3 new directors are Asep Ekanugraha (president director), Daulat Musa and Haryo P Soerjokoesomo.

Dahkan said Merpati’s debt has increased to Rp6.5 trillion, including debt to Pertamina, Angkasa Pura I, Angkasa Pura II and state management company PT Perusahaan Pengelola Aset (PPA).

Merpati has also subsidiary loan agreement to government and lessors.

Dahlan earlier said PPA will have the full authority for Merpati’s restructuring in order to save the airlines from mounting debt.