Dutch firms cooperate in public works sector

JAKARTA (JP): Several Dutch companies with interests in the transportation and public works sectors have clinched deals with local government offices and state-owned firms to conduct feasibility studies, consultancy services and joint venture operations.

Representatives of the companies were among those who joined a visiting delegation of Dutch businessmen, led by Minister of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, Annemarie Jorritsma-Lebbink.

Jorritsma-Lebbink told a press conference yesterday that at least three firms were scheduled to sign memorandums of understanding with their Indonesian counterparts during the current visit.

The companies are E.T. Projects, specializing in education and training, and its partner, P.v.Tilburg-Bastianen Revisie B.V., which specializes in engineering works; Holec Ridderkerk, a manufacturer of electrical control and drive systems for transportation purposes; and Dynamar Consultancy BV, which specializes in the maritime sector.

A director of E.T. Projects, Joost A.I.M. Vorstenbosch, said his company, in collaboration with Tilburg-Bastianen and their Indonesian partner, PT Boma Bisma Indra -- a state-owned firm overseen by the Management Board for Strategic Industries (BPIS) -- will conduct a feasibility study on the conversion of heavy duty diesel-fueled vehicles to gas-fueled vehicles.

BPIS, which oversees 10 companies, is chaired by State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie.

Vorstenbosch said the feasibility study will cost about 500,000 to 1 million Dutch guilders (US$300,000 to $600,000).

Meanwhile, Holec Ridderkerk's president, J. Holthaus, said his company is exploring the possibility of setting up a joint venture with its Indonesian counterpart, PT LEN Industri, another state-owned firm managed by BPIS, to participate in the railway industry.

The planned venture will involve the construction systems for 32 electric trains to serve the greater Jakarta area.

He declined to elaborate on the project's value but said it might cost "several hundred million guilders".

Dynamar Consultancy will conduct maritime training programs and in-house consultancy services for the Ministry of Transportation.

Jorritsma-Lebbink said yesterday the project, which will mainly focus on human resource development, will cost around $36 million.

She was scheduled yesterday to meet with Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto and Coordinating Minister for Production and Distribution Hartarto. (pwn)