Japanese used cars rejected

Japanese used cars rejected

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The Jayapura Port administrator has
prevented a Panama-flagged ship from unloading 400 used cars
imported from Japan by a local businessman because his import
license has expired.

The Golden Coast has been in the waters near the port since
last Tuesday but has not been allowed to dock because the import
license owned by Budi Hardjo of PT Siola has expired, officials
said.

The head of the port, Solaiman Wairo, said on Thursday the
decision was made after his office received reports from the
provincial trade and industry agency that the import license
had expired on June 17.

"This ban is effective until Budi Hardjo completes the
necessary documents for his business," Solaiman said.

The head of the provincial trade and industry agency, Zubeir
D. Husein, confirmed the incident.

Budi Hardjo reportedly had a license to import used cars from
Japan to be sold in Irian Jaya and Aceh.

"But the license is overdue and he has to renew his license
with the governor, and does not necessarily have to go to the
trade and industry ministry in Jakarta," Zubeir said.

The cars, most of which are five years old, were expected to
be sold at between Rp 60 million and Rp 150 million in
Jayapura.(35/emf)