Aburizal defends dealings of Soeharto's children

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's chairman, Aburizal Bakrie, has responded to criticism of President Soeharto's children's business dealings by saying that they had same right to do business as any citizen.

Aburizal said Saturday that there were still many fields of business which did not involve the President's children.

"So don't believe what the foreign media says. Of course, it must be acknowledged that the President's children-connection is used as an approach by some," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

All President Soeharto's six children are involved in the country's major conglomerates: eldest son Sigit Hardjojudanto controls the Arseto Group; daughter Siti Hardijanti Hastuti Rukmana chairs the Citra Lamtoro Gung Group; son Bambang Trihatmodjo has a majority stake in the Bimantara Group; daughter Siti Hedijati Herijadi Prabowo chairs the Datam Group; son Hutomo Mandala Putra heads the Humpuss Group; and youngest daughter Siti Hutami Endang Adiningsih Pratikto controls several plantation companies and processing facilities.

The President's grandson, Ari Haryo Wibowo, son of Sigit Hardjojudanto, has also started a business group which supplies services and materials to state enterprises, operates oil palm plantations and engages in other activities.

Critics say the children have managed to gain facilities and positions in big business because of their status as the President's children.

Aburizal, also chief commissioner of the Bakrie Group, said business ethics were an important aspect that Indonesian businesspeople had yet to fully understand.

He said that he and State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief and political scientist Fachry Ali were promoting business ethics in Indonesia.

"Let people be skeptical about what we are doing -- some even suggest I'm doing this so I can become a cabinet minister. The important thing is that we are trying to cultivate a new business culture," he said.

Aburizal said building connections was an important part of doing business, as long as it did not turn into bribery. (pwn)