PRESIDENT INVITES 30 BANKERS TO PALACE ON CENTURY CASE

Jakarta, March 1 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono invited around 30 bankers to the Merdeka Palace here on Monday for a talk about the current economic situation and to obtain inputs about the Bank Century scandal.

The bankers who came to the palace to meet the president included BNI president director Gatot Soewondo, Bank Mandiri chief Agus Martowardojo, BRI chief Sofyan Basyir, BCA chief DE Setijoso.

In addition, several cabinet ministers who attended the meeting were Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security affairs Djoko Suyanto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Radjasa, Industry Minister MS Hidayat, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu and State Enterprises Minister Mustafa Abubakar.

National Banks Association (Perbanas) chairman Sigit Pramono told reporters before the meeting, the president had invited the bankers, including those from private banks, for a dialogue about the latest economic developments and to provide him feedback about the Bank Century case.
The House of Representatives has investigated alleged violations in the extension and disbursement of bailout funds for Bank Century in late 2008 amounting to Rp6.7 trillion.