TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Known as businessmen in the oil, natural gas and mining industries, Edi Yosfi and Abdullah Makhmud Hendropriyono have partnered with Proton Malaysia to develop a 'national' automotive industry for Indonesia. Interviewed by Tempo at a restaurant in the Sudirman CBD, South Jakarta, on Thursday last week, Edi responded to allegations surrounding the project.
The signing ceremony was called an 'ambush' because it was unscheduled.
It wasn't on the official agenda. (The president's entourage) planned to go to several places in Putrajaya. One of them was Proton. But, as a head of state, the president will help out. If Indonesian migrant workers have problems, the president is obliged to attend to them. All the more so if an Indonesian is doing business. Why would the president refuse? We elected him, so of course the president has to help his people who are working with other countries.
Will the project request various fiscal incentives, like the Timor car?
No. We are in partnership because Malaysia has the technology and Indonesia has the market. Later there will be technology transfer. We will ensure 100 percent local components. Pak Hendropriyono's interest lies here.
Are you working with Hendropriyono because he is close to the president?
Because of Hendropriyono's experience. Pak Hendro, Tomy Winata and Aguan (Sugianto Kusuma) worked with Korea to produce the KIA Carnival and Carens. Apparently, we are merely a market.
You are known as a businessman who is close to the National Awakening Party (PKB). Have you changed your allegiance?
I've never taken part in politics. But as a businessman, I am friends with politicians. If I'm not on good terms with them when regimes change, I will be shut down by those in power. (*)
