Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to Speak at AICC Gala Dinner in NYC on Sept. 15, 2005

Business/Government/Assignment Editors

NEW YORK -- August 29, 2005

The American Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (AICC) invites internationally-focused investors, executives, financial professionals, journalists and other interested individuals to attend its annual 55th Anniversary Gala Dinner on September 15, 2005. It will be held at the Hotel Pierre, located on 61st Street and Fifth Avenue in New York City according to the following schedule:

4:30PM - 6:00PM (Optional) Presentation on Latest Business and Economic Policy Developments by Visiting Indonesian Ministers
(Location to be determined – Open to Dinner Participants)

6:30PM - 7:15PM Cocktail and Networking Reception with Delegation of Indonesian Government and Business Leaders.

7:30PM - 9:30PM Gala Dinner Featuring Presidential Keynote Presentation

This meeting will celebrate 60 years of Indonesian independence and feature an important policy address by President of The Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Time will also be allocated to highlight the contributions of Americans who supported Indonesia during its transition to independence in the 1940s. In addition, the Chamber will introduce its new “Sustain Sumatra” program, a unique and innovative effort designed to promote “Trade after the Aid” to restore and enhance the economic vitality of the region effected by recent earthquakes and the Tsunami disaster.

The AICC 55th Anniversary Gala Dinner is being organized with special assistance from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (KADIN/KIKAS) in cooperation with the Asia Society, the US Chamber of Commerce, United States-Indonesia Society, US-ASEAN Business Council, Financial Services Volunteer Corps, and AMCHAM Indonesia. Sponsors of corporate tables include Merrill Lynch, Altria/Sampoerna, Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold, ExxonMobil, American International Group, Fairfield Industries, Chevron, Newmont Mining, Boeing, Citigroup, Credit Renaissance Partners, ConocoPhillips, Shangri-La Hotels, BP, Cleary Gottleib, White & Case, Alstom Power, Trailmobile and ATSGlobal Group.

"The Indonesian economy has shown remarkable resilience in spite of the Tsunami and other natural disasters. This is indicative of rising confidence within the nation as well as foreign markets of the leadership ability, and commitment, of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his government,” noted Wayne Forrest, President of the AICC. “We look forward to welcoming President Yudhoyono to New York and to engaging in a dialogue between the visiting delegation and our members and other representatives of the U.S. business and financial community on September 15th.”

“Possessing a stable, democratic government and a population of over 210 million people, Indonesia offers unparalleled business and investment opportunities. In addition to increased consumer and industrial demand, the nation is endowed with abundant agricultural, energy, maritime and mineral resources. It is also located within major shipping lanes and the center of the increasingly integrated ASEAN region,” stated Mohammad Hidayat, Chairman, KADIN (Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry), the nation’s most prominent business organization. “Furthermore, the Indonesian government is increasingly realizing that investment is vital to drive economic growth and has therefore been moving aggressively to initiate the changes and business environment that will enable the country to reach its full potential.”

"Indonesia is making steady progress in attracting investment in various sectors, including financial institutions, that is so critical to sustainable, long term growth and development. Improving stability coupled with favorable economic performance is having a positive affect upon investor confidence. One clear indicator of the changing investment climate can be seen in the 50% plus appreciation of the Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite Index since President Yudhono was elected last fall", commented Mr. Peter Eliot, Citigroup Country Officer for Indonesia.

Corporations and other entities that would like to ensure priority seating and information regarding the availability of Benefactor, Sponsor and Contributor tables of ten are invited to contact the representative indicated below or AICC directly at +1-212-687-4505. Additional options are available for companies and individuals that are interested in inserting a message within the souvenir program that will be distributed at this event.

Individuals interested in attending the AICC 55th Anniversary Gala Dinner and to hear from key Indonesian government ministers are invited to register ($325 per person) online.

Please click here to register online or forward a request to the contact indicated below.

Special seating will be offered on a space-available basis to journalists who would like to cover this event in a reserved press section on a complementary basis.

CONTACT: KWR International, Inc.
Keith W. Rabin
Tel: 212/532-3005
Fax: 212/685-2413
E-mail: aicc@kwrintl.com

For additional information on business and investment opportunities in Indonesia, please visit:

American Indonesian Chamber of Commerce

U.S.-Indonesia Society

Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board

US-ASEAN Business Council

American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia

Republic of Indonesia Embassy - Washington D.C.

U.S. Embassy - Jakarta, Indonesia

U.S. Chamber of Commerce