Business climate still gloomy: Sofyan<\/p>\n
SEMARANG (JP): The country's overall business climate remains
\nuncertain despite signs of recovery in some sectors, Indonesian
\nBusiness Council chairman Sofyan Wanandi said.<\/p>\n
Speaking to reporters during a break in the 14th national
\nworking meeting of the Indonesian Employers Association, Sofyan
\nsaid uncertainty in the political field and reports of worker
\nprotests still hampered business.<\/p>\n
\"The Indonesian people and political elite seem to be
\nheedless. They are criticizing each other and workers continue
\ntheir protests,\" said Sofyan, who is also the chairman of the
\nGemala Group.<\/p>\n
The business council, which was established to advise
\nPresident Abdurrahman Wahid on business matters, groups top
\nbusinesspeople and noted business executives.<\/p>\n
Sofyan acknowledged that signs of recovery were seen in
\nseveral business sectors, particularly those related to the
\nactivities of small and medium-sized companies.<\/p>\n
But most large-scale business activities remain stagnant
\nbecause many major businesses continue to face financial
\ndifficulties, while foreign investors, also major players in the
\nIndonesia's economy, are reluctant to enter the country due to
\nthe uncertainty, he said.<\/p>\n
According to Sofyan, Indonesia is entering a critical stage
\nand if it manages to successfully navigate the current
\ndifficulties, the country will have the opportunity to return its
\neconomy to precrisis levels within a short time.<\/p>\n
\"But if such inimical circumstances continue until the end of
\nthis year, our savings will evaporate and nobody knows what will
\nhappen in the coming years,\" Sofyan said.<\/p>\n
A conducive political climate, security and legal certainty,
\nand the proper implementation of manpower regulations are
\nprerequisites for foreign businesses to invest in Indonesia, he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Minister of Manpower Bomer Pasaribu, who also attended the
\nworking meeting over the weekend, said not all companies could
\nafford or were willing to pay their workers the new regional
\nminimum wages. (har\/sur)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/business-climate-still-gloomy-sofyan-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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