Seeking donation

On May 27, 2001 as I was walking toward my car after attending my daughter's friend's birthday party at McDonald's, Pondok Indah, a well-dressed young man with his identity card hanging from his neck approached me. He claimed to be from an institution affiliated to the University of Indonesia, and was doing research and some sort of social work to help children in impoverished areas. He presented me with a grand brochure containing donation coupons. He said he would write my name and particulars on a coupon if I donated Rp 30,000.

When I told him that I needed more information regarding this social cause before I could make a contribution, he said I could find the information on the coupon. He also added that "this is a once in a life time contribution". I again insisted on being given more information on this institution before donating, but he didn't seem to understand. I then gave him my visiting card, and told him to send me detailed information.

Here, I would like to caution the general public of this kind of deception. I am sure it will be better to donate a bigger sum to a cause that is transparent and beneficial rather than to give Rp 30,000 to one which is illegal.

The management of Pondok Indah Plaza and the University of Indonesia need to be alert to people conducting suspicious activities in their vicinity as this can tarnish their reputation.

Unfortunately, I didn't have time to query him further on the affiliation of the University of Indonesia with this institution.

If it turned out that the institution he represented was real and dealt with charitable activities, I am of the opinion that the institution needs to work harder to disseminate information on its existence and activities before asking for donation.

The man did not mention the name of the institution. The institution should at least arm its members with visiting cards or other necessary material so that the public will not be suspicious.

AMIR SIDHARTA

Jakarta