Dahlan Ready To Discuss Issue With Those Opposing BTN Plan

Jakarta, April 22 (Antara) - State Enterprise (BUMN) Minister Dahlan Iskan said he will receive anybody, including state PT Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN)`s employees who oppose his plan on the BTN acquisition by state PT Bank Mandiri. "Anyone, who wants to convey his aspiration or objection to the plan, please come to my office on the 19th floor of the BUMN Ministry building," Minister Dahlan said here on Tuesday. BTN will still exist as a business entity of Bank Mandiri, he said in response to rallies staged by BTN`s employees to protest the plan. "Nothing will change, the company will still exist. In other words, BTN will operate normally, only its share ownership will change," he noted. After the taking over of BTN by Bank Mandiri, none of BTN`s employees will be laid off, in fact, their welfare will improve, he added. "So, I urge BTN employees not to worry, because the company will operate normally," he stated. The process of taking over BTN by Bank Mandiri will be carried out soon, including by asking for permissions from the finance ministry and the Parliament. Previously, Chairman of the Commission XI of the House of Representatives (DPR) Harry Azhar reminded Minister Dahlan to be cautious in making a policy decision on the planned BTN acquisition because it could violate the BUMN laws. "The BUMN minister must understand about the share takeover, because if it is done by force it will violate the existing regulations, and he should be ready to face a lawsuit," he said. According to the existing regulations, any acquisition of a BUMN company should be carried out by the Privatization Committee consisting of the coordinating minister for economic affairs, the finance minister, the BUMN minister and the president as the chairman. "When everybody agreed, including the president, the proposal should be presented to the Parliament for approval," the legislator said.