JAKARTA: The Board of Commissioners of the Company has appointed Mr. Prijono Sugiarto, a Director of the Company, as acting President Director effective 21st January 2010 until such time as a decision is made on the appointment of a new President Director by a General Meeting of Shareholders. The decision was made following the untimely demise of Mr. Michael Ruslim, President Director of Astra from 2008, on 20th January  2010.

Mr. Prijono Sugiarto has been a Director of Astra since May 2001, responsible for the non-Toyota automotive business (Daihatsu, Isuzu, BMW, Peugeot, Nissan UD), PT Gaya Motor, PT Fuji Technica Indonesia, and PT Inti Pantja Press Industri. He is also in responsible for Astra Honda Sales, PT Astra Honda Motor and PT Astra Otoparts Tbk. Mr. Prijono Sugiarto joined Astra in 1990 and currently also serves as President Commissioner of PT United Tractors Tbk, PT Astra Otoparts Tbk, PT Astra Honda Motor and PT Isuzu Astra Motor Indonesia, Vice President Commissioner of PT Astra Daihatsu Motor and PT Federal International Finance, and Commissioner of PT Astra Sedaya Finance, and PT Pamapersada Nusantara.

He is also the Vice Chairman of Gaikindo (the Indonesian Automotive Industry Association). Prior to joining Astra he was a sales engineering manager at Daimler-Benz Indonesia.

Mr. Prijono Sugiarto obtained his Dipl.-Ing. in Automotive Engineering from the University of   A.  Sc. Konstanz, Germany in 1984, and Dipl.-Wirtschaftsing. in Business Administration from the University of A. Sc  Bochum, Germany in 1986.

Acknowledgement of Appreciation

Mr. Prijono Sugiarto, on behalf of the management of PT Astra International Tbk, expressed the highest appreciation to all parties and stakeholders for their prayers, attention and support for our beloved Mr. Michael D. Ruslim from the time he was hospitalised until his funeral and the religious services afterwards.

"Mr. Michael D. Ruslim not only belonged to Astra, but was also a part of the community and the nation. This was reflected by the number of wreathes sent, amounting to some 7,000, and also from the many notices placed in the media, recording the deepest condolences of his colleagues and friends, as well as the heartfelt sadness and sympathy expressed by the media itself."

By ALLAH´s mercy, the burial procession in San Diego Hills on Thursday, 21 January 2010, attended by more than 2,000 mourners, was solemnly and smoothly completed. "We give our prayers to Allah Almighty for Mr. Michael D. Ruslim´s good deeds and pray that He rests his soul next to Him. Amen."

All business activities of the Company, together with its 153 affiliated companies, will continue to run normally.

Jakarta, 25 January 2010
PT Astra International Tbk

Arief Istanto
Chief of Corporate Communications