Supermarkets in regencies

We would like to thank you for your recent coverage of our company (April 28, 1997) under the title, Matahari to open outlets in six regencies.

However, in our opinion, the article contained some misleading parts which have created a negative image of Matahari. In order to avoid potential misperception among your readers, we would like to give the following comments.

Consistent with our corporate long-term expansion plan, we have decided to expand geographically to areas which provide good market potential. As we grow, it is important for us to grow together with the society we are operating in. As a result, we have developed extensive networks and ventures with local cooperatives and small local businesses as our suppliers.

PT Matahari Putra Prima's decision to open up seven stores in 1997 was made long before the government's recent regency regulation. When this decision was made, we had committed substantial investment, not only in capital, but more importantly in our most important asset: human resources.

This fact is very different from the article, which said that PT Matahari Putra Prima will open new stores in the regency despite government's restriction on large scale retailers to open up new stores in regencies. This is simply not true.

Our company is supportive of the new government regulation, because we believe that government's main intention is to make the retailing sector vibrant for small and medium businesses, as well as big scale players. This is in anticipation of economic free trade in the very near future.

RUDY SUMAMPOW

PR Manager

PT Matahari Putra Prima

Jakarta