Computer expo to open soon

JAKARTA (JP): An exhibition scheduled for later this month is expected to showcase the local computer industry, organizers said yesterday.

The Indonesian Computer Technology Exhibition (Indocomtech'97), to be held at the Jakarta Convention Center from Aug. 21 to Aug. 25, is sponsored by the Indonesian Computer Business Association (Apkomindo).

The exhibition would show that Indonesia was also developing its computer industry, said association chairman Sonny Franslay.

"It will demonstrate that local products are no longer inferior to imported ones," Sonny told a news conference.

About 120 foreign and domestic companies and computer training schools will take part in the annual exhibition.

This will be the sixth Indocomtech aimed at meeting the computer needs of businesses and informing the public of the latest industry development.

Sonny said he expected transactions to increase by 20 percent from Rp 19 billion ($7.6 million) recorded last year.

A seminar on technological innovations in computers will be held on the sideline of the exhibition. There will also be a job exchange program designed to channel computer workers to job opportunities with Apkomindo's 150 member companies.

Chief of the exhibition's organizing committee, Agus Setiawan, said more than 200,000 people are expected to attend Indocomtech'97. (08)