OPEC chief joins RI meeting

JAKARTA (JP): Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries secretary-general Rilwanu Lukman said on Tuesday he would attend, as a keynote speaker, an international energy conference in Bali in September to demonstrate OPEC's support for developing Indonesia's natural resources.

OPEC, of which Indonesia is a member, "has looked with concern and support on the recent events in Southeast Asia which have caused so much political and social damage", Lukman announced.

"However, in the light of current governmental and international intervention, we now believe that Indonesia is ready to retake its place on the world stage as a significant trading partner and as a healthy investment environment."

Other confirmed speakers at the conference include State Minister of the Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng; manager of the oil, gas and mining department at international finance corporation Philippe Letard; energy division eastern manager at the Asian Development Bank PN Fernando; and vice chairman and executive vice chairman for oil field service at Schlumberger Limited Victor B Grijalva. (jsk)