Dahlan denies BTN acquisition is haphazard

JAKARTA. State-Owned Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan has denied that the acquisition plan for PT Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) by Bank Mandiri was not arrived at after thorough study.

"I cannot accept the presumption saying that the BTN acquisition is not begin done after careful studies," Dahlan said on Thursday on the sidelines of meeting at Garuda Maintenance Facilities in Cengkareng, Banten, west of Jakarta as quoted by Antara news agency.

The minister said that the studies were in line with the country's procedures and some world-class consultants were involved in the process.

"But, if in the end the acquisition plan should be dropped, it would be all right. I just have to accept it and obey my superior," he said.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono through the Cabinet secretary Dipo Alam has requested the acquisition plan be canceled because it was making waves ahead of the presidential election.

Dipo said he had sent letters to Dahlan, Coordinating Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa, Finance Minister Chatib Basri, BTN president director Maryono and Bank Mandiri president director Budi Gunadi Sadikin.

However, Dahlan said the government should carry out its tasks effectively, putting aside the election issue.

"Programs should continue to run because the most important thing is that they are in the best interest of the people and the country," he added. (nfo)