Bank executives get police protection

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)