Rini Soemarno, State-Owned Enterprises Minister:
No one forced the acquisition

State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Minister Rini Soemarno ordered two state-owned plantation companies to purchase Gendhis Multi Manis, a sugar-producing company. Her instructions have triggered a polemic-not just because the sugar factory is seen as not viable but also because the two appointed plantation companies rated the Gendhis asking price as too high.

"If their calculation does not match the price that the seller is asking, well, fine," Rini told Tempo reporter Angelina Anjar Sawitri at the office of the coordinating ministry for economic affairs last week. A fortnight ago, Rini also met with Tempo reporter Ananda Teresia at the State Palace. The following is excerpted from the two meetings.