Aburizal defends dealings of Soeharto's children

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)