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)