Idaris Simorangkir - President Director Indonesia

Indonesia is currently trying hard to become less and less dependent on its oil export - as such, non oil export needs to be encouraged. Consequently, quality management should be handled more systematically and seriously, so that our products and services are then able to compete in the international market. Increase in non-oil export will accelerate economic growth and hence, improve our people prosperity. This view never escapes the attention of our quality management practitioners. A number of practitioners then established the Quality Control Club that became active in June 1984. The club successfully generated more people to become more conscious, interested and took part in the quality management activities. Eventually, the QC Club needed to expand to accommodate the increasing number of interested parties. Then on March 1, 1985, the Indonesian Quality Management Association (IQMA) was founded and headquartered in Jakarta. IQMA became a national body that disseminates and develops Total Quality Management (TQM) concepts in accordance with Indonesian conditions and cultural values. On April 29, 1985, Minister of Manpower and Minister of Industry of Indonesian republic officially solidified IQMA in a ceremonial meeting attended by IQMA officials and members throughout the country.