Habibie asks survey agency to do business

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)