RI plans seminar on policies

JAKARTA: Indonesia plans to hold an international seminar in April to explain government policies in economics, politics, security, finance, law and investment, as well as its privatization programs.

"The seminar aims to boost confidence in the country and its economy," organizing committee spokesman Johanes L. Sitanggang said recently.

He said the seminar would be attended by both national and international businesspeople.

Johanes said a number of international figures were expected to attend the seminar, titled Indonesia: Confronting Future Challenges.

Those expected to attend include former Australian prime minister Paul Keating, former Japanese prime minister Yasuhiro Sasasone and former Philippine president Fidel Ramos.

Former German chancellor Helmut Kohl and the former president of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, also have been invited, Johanes said.

He also said several international rating agencies were expected to attend the seminar. These agencies are Standard and Poors of the U.S., Moody Investor Service of the U.S., Economist Intelligence Unit of the United Kingdom and Marvin Zonish of the U.S. -- Antara