Amex steps up support service

JAKARTA (JP): American Express has provided additional emergency support service to assist customers in Indonesia and those who have had to leave the country, the company said yesterday.

A company vice president Marek H. Luba said in a statement that the American Express travel office here was continuing to provide services amid the current difficulties and extra measures were being taken to ensure maximum protection for both staff and customers.

He said the company's customer service center had been operating on a 24-hour basis with backup support from the company's regional operating centers across Asia.

"We have been able to maintain services for customers in Indonesia by mobilizing additional resources in Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and around the region." he said.

"There is a lot of continuing emergency support that needs to be provided, including new accommodation and ongoing travel arrangements."

He said additional customer service facilities have been set up in a Jakarta hotel to assist members, travelers with all inquiries relating to traveler's cheques, travel and hotel accommodation arrangements and other member services.

American Express has also chartered a number of aircraft for the timely evacuation of members, travelers and some non- Indonesian employees.

"Over the past few days, we have moved fast to step up our emergency service support to provide our customers with the best possible services in such difficult circumstances," Luba said.

"We'll continue to do everything possible to honor our service commitment to costumers whilst ensuring the safety and welfare of our people in Indonesia." (jsk)