More makers of electronic parts needed

More makers of electronic parts needed

JP/oby

PURWAKARTA, West Java (JP): Indonesia needs more manufacturers
of electronic components to reduce its dependence on imports,
Wardijasa, a deputy chairman at the Investment Coordinating
Board, said here yesterday.

Wardijasa, speaking at the inauguration of PT Noritake
Indonesia's plant (photo above), said that the electronic
industry, which is set to contribute US$6.5 billion in foreign
exchange revenues to the country in 1999, is currently still
dependent on many imported components such as TV tubes,
capacitors and integrated circuits.

Wardijasa said that electronic component maker Noritake
Indonesia, which will produce 5.4 million microcircuits and 6
million glass disks and fine ceramics, is expected to reduce the
industry's dependency on imported components.

At the first stage of its operation, however, the company will
export all of its products to Singapore for the production of
Sony television sets. Only later, after it can satisfy Sony's
Singapore needs, will it sell its products on the domestic
market.

Noritake Indonesia is 97-percent owned by Noritake Co. Ltd.
and 3 percent by Kyushu Noritake Co. Ltd. -- both Japanese firms

-- which have invested $3.2 million in the company. (rid)