Trade Minister Budi Santoso Denies Mal Fence Issues Related to Security

JAKARTA - Trade Minister Budi Santoso denied the issue of increased security at malls related to certain security issues. He said the government had coordinated with the business world and shopping center managers.

Budi made the statement at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Friday, July 31, when asked by reporters about the news that a number of malls had increased security to build a fence.

"We coordinate with Apindo, with APPBI, there is no problem," said Budi.

Apindo is the Indonesian Business Association. Meanwhile, APPBI is the Association of Indonesian Shopping Center Managers.

When asked whether the construction of the fence in the mall area was related to the issue of security, Budi emphasized that there was no connection.

"It's not related to that," he said.

Budi did not explain in more detail which mall was meant in the question. He also did not explain whether there was an official report from the shopping center management regarding increased security.

Apart from the mall, Budi confirmed that he was present at a meeting with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry or Kadin Indonesia at the Palace. The meeting involved Kadin members from across Indonesia.

"Yes, a meeting with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry," he said.

However, Budi admitted that he did not know the discussion material related to the electric vehicle that was said to have been discussed in the meeting of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry with the Cabinet Secretary in the morning.

"We don't know because we don't know what the material is," said Budi.