Habibie asks survey agency to do business

CIBINONG, West Java (JP): State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie told the Coordinating Board for National Survey and Mapping (Bakosurtanal) to sell its products.

The money can be used to finance its operations and improve human resources in order to eventually reduce its dependence on state funds, Habibie said while visiting the agency yesterday.

"The agency has great potential to develop by selling its products because its data is increasingly in demand," he said.

He said the agency, set up in 1969, has stored a great deal of data on the country's natural resources, geography and geology.

"The agency's products are mostly needed by decision makers, planners, forest concessionaire holders, fishery companies, mining companies and prospective investors. If these products are commercialized, this agency will not only make money to improve the welfare and skills of its workers but also help its product users improve efficiency and productivity," he said.

He added that the agency should step up promotion of its products.

Habibie proposed that the agency set up a foundation which will arrange joint ventures with local or foreign investors to market products and help carry out survey and mapping activities.

Habibie, who is also chairman of the Agency for Assessment and Application of Technology, advised that Bakosurtanal modernize its equipment to improve its effectiveness.

Agency chairman Asmara said the state agency needed "many more" experts and modern equipment to carry out its tasks, especially in the fields of computer programming, remote sensing and oceanology. (rms)