Andy first arrived in Indonesia 23 years ago, as the Bank of Montreal representative to Indonesia. He worked with them from August of 1979 until October 1983, as Vice President and Senior Representative. At that time, the bank wanted to send him on promotion to Hong Kong, to take charge of the China desk. That's when his Indonesian business associates and friends urged him not to leave Indonesia.

"They told me: `Andy, why don't you stay on here? You can communicate with us, because you have the Asian understanding and touch. But you also have the western way of thinking, so you could be an advisor to us, a consultant. We need people who understand finance, banking, especially fundraising.' That's when I decided to leave the bank. It was a big decision and no regrets. There were a lot of projects going on, they needed fundraising. So I think made the right decision to stay on in Indonesia," says Andy. Needless to say, he loves it here, and feels like he belongs. To the extent that he even became an Indonesian citizen in 1996.

Andy's extensive experience with the Bank of Montreal stood him in good stead, as did his years lecturing on International Business Management at the University of Montreal, Canada, and on Finance and Investment at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. Soft-spoken and approachable, Anh-Dung Do, or Pak Andy as he is affectionately called here, hardly seems like your typical idea of a troubleshooter. But that's what he does, and very successfully. His areas of expertise, honed and fine-tuned over the years, include high-level troubleshooting and the turning around of sick units.

As CEO, Commissioner, President Director and Senior Advisor to several Indonesian corporations, he has been responsible for reorganizing companies, re-engineering organizations, putting in professional staff, bringing in foreign investment and growing the recovering units. Most importantly, his work involves close monitoring of investment performance. In today's critical economic climate, his skills are even more relevant. He currently heads PT Hadi Kusuma Raya as Founder, Chairman and majority shareholder, offering Management, Financial and Investment Consulting services. Clients include corporations needing advice on debt restructuring with IBRA.

What are his thoughts on the changes in business conditions since the Suharto era? "During Suharto's time, there was security, stability and an overall growth trend. Post-Suharto, we are in a transitional stage, moving towards democracy, doing by learning. There are no rules, there is no blueprint. At the same time, we face security problems, financial and religious problems, with three changes in the leadership. For the businessman, then and now are two completely different environments. What is happening now has to happen, these are the `growing pains' of becoming a democracy. There are many phases to go through, to learn from. It's like Indonesia is a teenager, and growing up, as we all know, is a painful process. Certainly, businessmen have to struggle harder than during the Suharto era. At that time, KKN was very extensive throughout the system, but very well disguised, and the benefits accrued to the high-level minority. Now, people say it's even worse—it is disorganized and has grown rampant everywhere, at all levels, not just the upper echelons as before. This is because there is still no system in place—the court system, the MPR/DPR has to be effective, there has to be strong leadership to counter this."

Where does Andy see Indonesia going? "Hopefully, with a strong president in 2004, one with vision, who understands the feelings of the people, who can assist in the true reform of the system. We may see some change by 2008." And what does he feel is the way forward for Indonesia? "I think that Indonesia needs to restructure the economy down to basic levels—agriculture, mining, oil, especially gas—build on basic strengths and resources, of which we have many. Then we must export, preferably processed goods, so that we can earn foreign exchange, and thereby progress. Even light industry, like textiles, sports shoes. These are the things to push. Let's not dream about hi-tech and breaking into those markets. We should go into labor-intensive industries to provide employment. But really, it all comes back to strong leadership."

Andy is also very involved in the Rotary Club, as he feels youngsters are extremely important, and should be invested in. As he says, "they are our future CEO's!" He helps raise funds for poor and needy children in Indonesia, for food, education and whatever else is required. He strongly believes in what he calls "payback"; his personal commitment in contributing to those who need help, a way of putting back some of what he has been blessed with, to benefit his adopted country.

Priya Tuli