RI businessman unconcerned by Riady issue

JAKARTA (JP): The U.S. Republican Party's attack over James Riady's donation to fund President Bill Clinton's campaign will have no impact on Indonesia's economy, because U.S. businessmen will view it as a pure political issue, a businessman said.

"I don't think such a case will affect our exports to the United States. We know that many businessmen there are supporters of the Republican Party, but they won't blow the issue out of proportion and involve the economy," Sofyan Wanandi, the chairman of the Gemala Group, said yesterday.

Speaking to reporters after attending a conference of the Asian Region International Association of Cooperating Organizations on trade and investment, Sofyan also said Riady did not violate any regulations in the United States.

"In my opinion, the Republican attack is only aimed at discrediting President Clinton during the current presidential election campaign in that country," he said.

"Due to that issue, the American media is now trying to expose Riady. They are investigating how much his income is, his wealth and where he earned the money he donated," he said.

According to Sofyan, if the donation is not disclosed, it will actually benefit the Indonesian government, because it will strengthen the country's lobbying position with the White House. "But now, because it has become a national issue in the United States, such a donation has caused a lot of trouble," he said.

He admitted that Riady has a close relationship with President Clinton.

He said two years ago he, together with Coordinating Minister for Production and Distribution Hartarto, made a visit to the United States to promote investment opportunities in Indonesia.

"During the U.S. visit, James Riady played an important role in lobbying the White House," he said.

But he said with the donation issue, the Indonesian government should avoid getting involved and leave it only to the people concerned.

"I think the general public here should also stay out of this issue and not try to worsen an already bad situation.

"Poor Riady. Because of this issue, he has to hide from all of you," he said, laughing and pointing at all the reporters who flocked around him.

Father

Mochtar Riady, James' father, was scheduled to chair the afternoon session of yesterday's conference. He did not show up, however.

Asked why Riady did not provide an explanation on the issue, he said: "Now is not the right time for him to give any explanations. It's too risky for him and also might affect Clinton's chance of winning the upcoming presidential election next month," he said.

"After the election, perhaps he will be willing to explain it," he said.

Noted economist Mohammad Sadli, who is also the chairman of the Indonesia Forum Foundation, shared Sofyan's view. "It will not affect us economically. But there is a positive side of the case: Indonesia is getting more exposure in the American media, and more people will know about this country," he said.

The American media disclosed recently that Indonesian billionaire James Riady of the Lippo Group donated US$425,000 to the Democratic Party's campaign fund.

U.S. House of Representatives speaker Newt Gingrich predicted that congressional and criminal investigations would be launched into the campaign donation.

"I think it's unavoidable that there will be congressional investigations on the donation," he told CBS television. (13)