On Kuala Namu airport project

This is in regard to a news story titled Japan ready to fund new airport development in North Sumatra by reporter Apriadi Gunawan, which ran in The Jakarta Post on Feb. 16, 2002. As the chairman of the North Sumatra Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) attending the meeting, I would like to state that in the meeting among the OISCA, North Sumatra Kadin and the chairman of the North Sumatra regional legislative council, Mr. Sawada suggested that the regional administration of North Sumatra submit a proposal on the Kuala Namu airport development to the central government so that the project could be financed under a Special Yen Loan scheme from JBIC. The regional administration of North Sumatra urged the central government to immediately discuss this matter with the government of Japan through Japan's envoy as the Special Yen Loan scheme was to expire in June 2002.

The result of the meeting was that the project for the development of the Kuala Namu airport had yet to obtain the approval of JBIC.

We deem it necessary to inform the public that the meeting was initiated by the chairman of the North Sumatra Kadin together with the OISCA and the heads of the North Sumatra regional legislative council.

The news story was a big problem for me as the chairman of North Sumatra Kadin, and also, particularly, for Mr. Kenji Sawada and Mr. Tomoji Suzuki as the Chamber's partners, who have received admonition from the Japanese Embassy.

We hope The Jakarta Post can clarify this matter.

YOPIE S. BATUBARA

General Chairman of North Sumatra Kadin

Medan, North Sumatra