PT Balisani indicted

PT Balisani indicted

JAKARTA (JP): A State Secretary office staff member has filed a lawsuit against PT Balisani Sentrawisata, a private tour company, for fraud.

J. Arthur Manata, the plaintiff, told reporters after reporting the case to the City Police on Thursday that PT Balisani Sentrawisata had cheated him of Rp 10.6 million.

Arthur said that the firm had tempted him with beautiful salesgirls to pay Rp 14 million to become a member.

After handing over Rp 10.6 million, he changed his mind and wanted his money back. The company refused to return the money, saying the membership fee couldn't be withdrawn as stipulated in the deal.

"Earlier, they told me that I could get a portion of my money back if I wanted to leave," Arthur said.

Saraswati, a spokesperson for Balisani, denied Arthur's allegation yesterday. She said that Arthur may have interpreted the clause wrong. She said all potential members are invited to the company's Mulia Tower office for a detailed presentation.

"My aim is not the money, but I'm afraid that many people have become the victims of this company's method of seeking members," Arthur said. (bsr)