Foreign investors deceived

Foreign investors deceived

I would appreciate my letter printed in your paper with the
hope that my experiences, along with a lot of my friends, not
only Western but Indonesian as well -- makes investors in this
country be careful where they invest their hard earned money.

My experience was a disaster. Having dealt with a local
businessman in Bali for many years, he always appeared to be
quite honest and when asked how safe this investment was, he
politely replied there is a law in Indonesia to protect
investors. I now ask where, and what, this law is because the
businessman appears to have done a moonlight flit with millions
and millions of rupiah, from people investing with him in good,
honest, trust and faith. The businessman is nowhere to be found.

Of course people want to help get our investment back --
police offer to help but for a big percentage of the amounts
invested. Is there not some law in Indonesia that covers and
helps foreign investors? And where does one go to get
satisfactory advice? We all know that the businessman is not
bankrupt as has been suggested, but that he has channeled the
funds, belonging to the investors, in a number of directions.

Ninety-nine percent of my savings were brought to Indonesia as
my exporting business required more funds here than in Australia.
Your paper's readers may have some advice to offer and be able to
suggest the right lawyer to help in this type of situation, one
who does not want to "rip off" the white skinned investors.

I, along with the other investors, will be watching your paper
for some answers of help in this matter.

Name and address

withheld