Contesting monopoly<\/p>\n
Monopoly is justifiable as long as it is used for the benefit
\nof the people, says the new trade and industry minister Mohammad
\nHasan who is a former business tycoon.<\/p>\n
It is true that strategic sectors like telecommunications,
\npower, railways or strategic commodities like rice and fuel oil
\nshould be in the hand of the government.<\/p>\n
In due time privatization will take place like those in
\ntelecomunications and power sectors albeit with price control
\nfrom the government.<\/p>\n
The question is how far can we extend monopoly to other
\nsectors? Secondly, who will have the last word to define the
\n\"benefit of the people?\"<\/p>\n
One thing is certain, this country, unlike the often tainted
\nliberal United States, still has no anti-monopoly law. It means
\nany company, given the chance to have a monopoly over a certain
\nproduct or commodity, could do so.<\/p>\n
Or in the absence of a monopoly, a financially strong company
\ncan always set up a cartel with other companies resulting in a
\npower to dictate price level.<\/p>\n
In the absence of an anti-monopoly law coupled with weak
\nconsumer protection and ineffective government control the stake
\nis too high for the people to allow such a monopoly to exist.<\/p>\n
Also, we have lessons to learn from the current crisis.
\nMonopoly has a role in the crisis that is it helps undermine the
\nstructure of our industry.<\/p>\n
So, shall we repeat this mistake?<\/p>\n
We hope this is not what the new minister has in his mind.<\/p>\n
-- Republika, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/contesting-monopoly-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }