JBIC responds

I would like to convey my sincere appreciation about your continuous attention to the Tarahan Coal Fired Steam Power Plant Project (hereafter referred to as the Project). We are very much proud that Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) assists, through concessional Yen Loan, this extremely important Project which, once completed, will greatly improve the power supply situation in Sumatra.

I am writing in response to your article regarding the project dated Aug. 9 under the heading PLN signs contract with Alstom consortium. The article contained the following statement: "However, PLN was forced to delay the construction work because the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), as the financier of the project, was unable to finish the evaluation of the tender results for the projects by the end of last year".

I am shocked at and disappointed with such incorrect reporting in your reputable newspaper. The fact is that JBIC never caused such delay on the said project by negligence in loan processing that was apparently implied in the article. Besides, it was grossly unfair that The Jakarta Post never contacted JBIC to confirm the said contents in the article.

I would appreciate it if you take appropriate measures regarding the article. In the meantime as one of many avid readers of the Post, I will always expect the Post to deliver the factual, objective and in-depth reports.

IKURO SATO
Chief Representative
JBIC
Jakarta