Rahardi says he will return to researching

JAKARTA (JP): Former minister for trade and industry Rahardi Ramelan said on Tuesday that he would return to his old "habitat" as a researcher.

Speaking at a farewell lunch with local journalists, Rahardi said that he might begin by becoming a visiting scholar at the Massachusets Institute of Technology (MIT).

"MIT's offer was proposed just the day before former president B.J. Habibie withdrew his presidential bid. But, I have not decided yet," he said adding that he would first take some time off to enjoy his private life.

Rahardi said he would maintain good relations with the media because, as a researcher, he could remain a good source for information in the technology field.

"I won't say good-bye to you because I will still be around," he said hoping that his successor could also establish good media relations.

Rahardi, who was also the chairman of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), is to be replaced by businessman Yusuf Kalla, one of the new members of Cabinet announced by President Abdurrahman Wahid.

Rahardi said during his 522 days in office, he had many interesting experiences with reporters and had collected caricatures of himself.

"The media criticized me over crude palm oil policy and others described me as a flat-faceted man," he said adding that the media should keep up the good work to foster the reform era.

Aside from technology, he said he would also develop his creativity and productivity, noting that he had just completed a book on national productivity and hoped that it would be considered as a reference guide. (06)