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