Century's First Day

VIVAnews - Bank Century has resumed their business as usual today, following the government take over last Friday. Business as usual is still far fetched though.

Some types of transactions were limited, and others were unavailable. This include withdrawal from foreign exchange accounts. "No withdrawals from foreign exchange is allowed yet," said a manager in who wishes to be anonymous, “Perhaps the new administrators need time to adjust,” he said today in his office of the Bank Century head office, Jakarta, Monday, Nov. 24.

A customer of the bank who was going to withdraw US$1000 was unaware of the policy. However, she wasn't disturbed, “It's fine, I believe in Bank Century, especially after the government takeover,” she said.

Withdrawals of regular accounts were also limited to a specific amount. Each customers can only withdraw an amount of Rp 50 million (approx. US$4,000). A transaction that is above Rp 50 million would have to go through the RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) System.

One of the tellers of Bank Century, Andre Gultom (23), mentioned that the restriction was imposed because most of the customers were making withdrawals or fund transfers. “That's why it's restricted,” Andre said to reporters at the Bank Century head office, Senayan, Jakarta, Monday 24 Nov. He added that the restriction will only be applicable today and not tomorrow.

As previously reported, Bank Century was officially taken over by the government, in this case the Financial Sector Stabilizer Committee, headed by Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, and members of Bank Indonesia, on Friday, Nov. 21. The takeover occurred after Bank Century had several clearing problems. The new President Director is Maryono, former Bank Mandiri director.

VIVAnews writers, Umi Kalsum, Nur Farida Ahniar, Heri Susanto, Ramona Sofianne Dewi, Archie Ardian, contributed to this article.