REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BIAK -- PT Angkasa Pura 1 (Persero), the operator of the Frans Kaisiepo Airport in the Papua provincial district of Biak Numfor, suffered losses worth Rp47 billion during its operations in 2012 and 2013, stated an airport official.

General Manager of the Frans Kaisiepo Airport Mervin Butarbutar noted here on Thursday that the losses incurred in managing the airport in 2012 reached Rp22 billion, while in 2013, losses amounting to Rp25 billion were reported due to lack of flights halting at Biak.

"Despite such losses, Persero continues to perform its routine tasks as the managing authority of aviation services in the region," he added.

Mervin pointed out that the recent temporary shutdown of the Merpati Nusantara Airlines has also reduced flights to Biak.

He also expressed hope that the temporary shutdown of the Merpati airlines can be soon overcome.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday (Feb. 4), State Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan remarked here that if Merpati forced itself to operate, particularly its jet planes, it will increase its losses.

The state-owned airline, which is now reeling under debts amounting to Rp6.7 trillion, has been involved in restructuring since 2005.

The minister emphasized that the temporary closure of flight routes was a decision that the airline had to take as it was going through a restructuring and consolidation period.

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