Dispose of cartels<\/p>\n
In its annual report, the World Bank notes, among other
\nthings, that a number of industries in Indonesia operate like
\ncartels supported by government policies. According to the World
\nBank this practice has eroded competitive spirit and in a number
\nof instances is hurting consumers through excessively high
\nprices. The cement, paper and pulp industries are mentioned as
\nexamples of cases in which such cartels exist.<\/p>\n
Even without the World Bank's assessment, the problem of
\ncartel practices has often been raised by observers in this
\ncountry. This is an old problem which continues to exist. If this
\ninternational institution is now making its own assessment, all
\nthis should be regarded as an effort to remind us that certain
\nthings are still in need of improvement.<\/p>\n
From a legal point of view, the actors in these cartel
\npractices cannot be said to be acting against the law -- since no
\nlaw or prohibition of cartels exists. Even so, their harmful
\npractices should not be allowed to continue. Laws governing
\ncompetition and to limit the concentration of economic resources
\nas well as anti-monopoly and anti-trust laws are all means to
\nprevent such practices.<\/p>\n
Pending the passage of such laws, the government should
\ndemonstrate its political will to stop cartel practices.
\nGovernment intervention, whether we like it or not, is needed. If
\nthose practices exist because of its support, now is the time for
\nthe government to perform its duty and stop them.<\/p>\n
-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/dispose-of-cartels-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }