Guess What? Mochtar Riady

Guess What? Mochtar Riady

It was unimaginable during former president Soeharto's 32-year rule for anybody to interrupt him while he was speaking. Mochtar Riady, the owner of the giant Lippo Group, broke the rigid taboo Tuesday with Soeharto's replacement.

In a meeting with members of the Indonesian Chamber of Trade and Industry, President B.J. Habibie rambled on about his strategy to restore the country's economic chaos.

"This is our strategy, trust me, I am not selling kecap (telling tall tales)," the President assured the audience, citing a local phrase roughly equivalent to the American saying "I'm not selling snake oil".

Unexpectedly, Riady butted in: "He is a kecap (soy sauce) producer Pak," he said pointing at Hamid Djojonegoro, the owner of ABC group, the manufacturer of the popular Kecap ABC and other foodstuffs.

People burst into laughter. "I am sorry Pak Hamid, I did not mean to offend you," Habibie replied.

Hamid was forgiving, and went on to advise the President on how to behave as the country's CEO.

"You must frequently visit the regions to ensure you get more of the facts. That's what I did with my company," he said. (prb)