Invitation to seminar

Invitation to seminar

From Gatra

In November 1994, I was supposed to attend a one-day seminar on Enhancing the role of the private sector and the community in support of the government's effort to curb hepatitis B. According to the invitation the seminar was scheduled for Dec, 19, 1994. Included in the Committee were the Health Minister, the Minister of Population/Chairman of the National Family Planning Board, Chairman of the Indonesian Medical Association, and two retired Armed Forces members. The invitation said the seminar would be opened by Vice President Try Sutrisno, and the Minister of Manpower was one of the presenters. The Health Minister was scheduled to close the seminar.

On Dec. 16, 1994, I contacted the Committee's Secretariat to confirm my participation. But I was told that the seminar was postponed until March 1995. I could not wait that long and I canceled my registration. I asked for a refund on my registration fee but was told to wait until there was news from the Committee Chairman. A few days later I again called the secretariat and asked about the registration money of Rp 400,000. Again I was advised to contact a number of persons, one after the other. After making repeated calls I sensed that the committee was lacking goodwill. Up until Jan. 9, 1995 the Committee has done nothing to settle the matter. They were even reluctant to provide me with their precise address.

I would like to warn readers to be vigilant when accepting any invitation for a seminar.

Name and address

withheld