Edhi Pranasidhi, Jakarta – The Indonesian government has extended a ban on 128 bankers and shareholders of closed banks from traveling abroad, according to a decree signed by Finance Minister Bambang Sudibyo, which was released to the media Monday.

The travel ban was extended for another six months, effective from May 15, in a bid to assist the investigation of government loans to private banks and ensure the bankers repay money owed to the government, the decree said. The decree was signed earlier this month. The previous six-month ban started November 1999 and ended April 21.

Among the 128 bankers and bank owners banned from traveling abroad are Bank Danhutama owners Sofyan Wanandi and The Nin King, Bank Indonesia Raya owners Atang Latief and Kaharudin Latief.

Others included in the ban are Al Njo Koh Kiong, the owner of Bank Papan Sejahtera and Anwari Surjaudaja, the owner of Bank Hastin.

Sofyan Wanandi is currently the chairman of the National Council for Business Development, which advises President Abdurrahman Wahid on finance and business issues.

During the past three years Indonesia has closed more than 50 private financially-ailing banks.