Mari Pangestu Denied Bringing U.S. Franchise to Indonesia

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Mari Elka Pangestu, has denied that she brought 16 franchises from the U.S. to Indonesia. She said that she simply witnessed the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) only.

"We stated that there is neither discussion nor meeting between the Minister Mari Pangestu, with the U.S. franchises. Mari Pangestu received an invitation to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a franchise partner in Indonesia. And she has assigned the Director General of Tourism Destination Development to attend, "said Head of Public Communication Center for Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry, I Gusti Ngurah Putra on Tuesday (12/20/2011).

New U.S. Francises

Previously, a Professor of University of Indonesia, Sri Edi Swasono, 'pout' Mari Pangestu for bringing 16 U.S. franchises into Indonesia. The government act for allowing 16 U.S. francises into Indonesia is considered not-human and only cared for the capital owners only.

As reported, there are 12 companies that will bring 16 franchises to Indonesia. The twelve companies are incorporated in the Franchise Trade Mission Times / International Franchise Association / U.S. Commercial Service Trade Mission which came to Indonesia for the first time. The delegation was in Jakarta on 12-13 December 2011.

For the initial stage, Johnny Rockets franchise signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sahid Group to bring the famous brand of U.S. restaurants to Indonesia, with its first location in Bali.

The brands that are engaged in this trade mission are dominated by a food and beverages based franchise, such as:
Applebee's
Denny's
Johnny Rockets
Carvel Ice Cream
Cinnabon
Schlotzsky's
Moe's Southwest Grill
Great American Cookies
Marble Slab Creamery
Pretzelmaker
Pollo Tropical
Rita's Italian Ice
Which Wich
Wing Zone
As for the non-food and beverage franchises are:
Crestcom (leadership training franchise)
The Vitamin Shoppe

Source: detik