Dutch firms cooperate in public works sector

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)