Texmaco can build vehicles: Minister

Texmaco can build vehicles: Minister

JAKARTA: The government has finished a technological audit of
ailing textile company PT Texmaco's machines, and confirmed that
the equipment can be used to manufacture large-sized vehicles.

State Minister for Research and Technology Hatta Radjasa said
on Tuesday, however, the audit was unable to determine the
quality of any vehicles the company could build.

"We have to further discuss and analyze the ability of the
machines to manufacture vehicles. Many of them are not even
installed yet," Hatta said after visiting President Megawati
Soekarnoputri to wish her a happy Idul Fitri.

The ailing Texmaco was put under government supervision after
its owner Marimutu Sinivasan failed to pay the company's debts of
Rp 17 trillion (US$1.8 billion).

A full audit of its equipment and financial condition
was conducted to decide the fate of the company, which used to
manufacture large trucks for the military under the Perkasa name.

Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto has
suggested the President allow the company to manufacture military
equipment. -- JP