Bank executives get police protection

JAKARTA (JP): Police have pledged to protect members of the boards of directors of seven suspended banks and another seven under the management of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA).

City police chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata announced Monday that it was the police's duty to anticipate any possible disputes between the banks' managements and their customers, who were expected to withdraw their money from the ailing banks.

"We will take necessary action to protect them, just in case the situation gets worse. It's standard procedure under certain circumstances.

"We want to help the people to get through this difficult time. Bank customers are worried about their savings. Under such circumstances, people tend to panic.

"Therefore, we are prepared to secure the situation by providing customers with adequate information, including procedures to get their money back," he said.

The police and other related parties are coordinating and gaining information on the state of the ailing banks, he added.

The government's decision to suspend the seven ailing banks and put the other seven under IBRA management has left many bank customers and employees in a state of confusion.

Daniel Pratama, a customer of Bank Danamon -- one of the seven banks put under IBRA management -- said it was the second time he had deposited money at a local bank which had been closed down by the government. Last year he deposited Rp 5 million at Bank Harapan Sentosa, one of 16 banks to be liquidated in November.

"I can't believe this is happening again. I'm stressed out because of this matter... my business is going downhill. Does the government even care about what's happening to us?"

A bank customer, Ardinaningtyas, said she was confused by the situation.

"It seems that none of the banks here are safe enough for us to keep money. Where should we put our deposits, then? People are losing a grip here. I personally do not know who to trust anymore."

One of the employees of a suspended bank, who asked not to be named, said she was trying to find another job. "I have no other choice. I can't just wait and do nothing about this." (edt)