Business as usual for DHL courier company in Indonesia

JAKARTA (JP): Courier company DHL Worldwide Express is maintaining operations in Indonesia, despite the deteriorating political situation, the company said yesterday.

Michael Fitzpatrick, senior technical advisor of PT Birotika Semesta, a local DHL partner, said in a statement that the company continued to accept all requests to deliver packages and documents, despite the difficulties posed by last weeks rioting and looting.

"DHL is the only air express company which remained fully operational in Indonesia throughout the period," Fitzpatrick said.

He said the crisis had delayed the shipment of several packages, but thus far delays were only minor.

"We remain committed to our role as a trade facilitator in good and bad times," Fitzpatrick said.

He said that company expatriate staff had decided to remain in the country, adding that all branch offices nationwide remained open and operational and no DHL vehicles had been taken off the road.

Birotika Semesta/DHL, a subsidiary of the giant U.S. courier company DHL Worldwide Express, started operating in Indonesia in 1979.

It currently leads the domestic courier industry with a network of 65 branch offices. It employs more than 800 people and has 250 vehicles at its disposal throughout the country.

Fitzpatrick said all company employees would do their best to minimize any disruption to services during the current political turmoil.

He said that when the city was gripped by riots last Thursday, many company employees stayed overnight in the office or in nearby hotels to ensure round-the-clock operations were maintained.

"Obviously, we are very anxious to ensure the safety and security of our staff when carrying out their jobs. I would like to acknowledge their courage and perseverance during these difficult times, and express my thanks for their efforts" Fitzpatrick said. (jsk)