Business as usual for DHL courier company in Indonesia

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)