The rights of mixed couples<\/p>\n
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono stated while in Chile that
\nhe wanted to improve the situation of mixed Indonesian-foreign
\ncouples and their children. This not only shows his compassionate
\nhumanitarian side but also his profound wisdom.<\/p>\n
In the past, he also has stated that one of Indonesia's most
\nimportant goals would be to achieve economic growth in order to
\ncombat poverty and unemployment -- by attracting more (foreign)
\ninvestment. This -- let's be honest -- will apply especially to
\nlarge multinational companies that are able to wade through the
\nmaze of bureaucracy.<\/p>\n
Although I understand the need to improve the efficiency and
\naccountability of state-owned sectors, and perhaps this includes
\nprivatizing some of the companies, it is clear that there are
\nalso many dangers involved in these type of one-time operations
\nthat risk handing over important Indonesian assets to foreign
\ninterests.<\/p>\n
It would be very ironic to do this while at the same time
\nlargely ignoring another group of potential investors:
\nIndonesians who currently invest their money abroad, Indonesians
\nwho live abroad, Indonesians with foreign spouses. These groups
\nare less alien to the Indonesian society than the other potential
\ninvestors that I have mentioned.<\/p>\n
True, these last groups perhaps only consist of mostly small
\ninvestors. But we have to remember that the large multinational
\ninvestors are motivated by only one thing, namely profit. That
\nmeans, for instance, in textile manufacturing that if conditions
\nbecome more attractive Vietnam or China, these types of investors
\nwill simply relocate.<\/p>\n
These corporate foreign investors also regularly demonstrate a
\nlack of respect for Indonesian customs, society and the
\nenvironment. On the other hand, the other groups of potential
\ninvestors usually just want to make a living and they are tied to
\nIndonesian society by their families.<\/p>\n
If we think about it, they would actually be more able to
\ncontribute to the real economy in a durable fashion. But under
\nthe current conditions many Indonesians and their families are
\npractically forced to take their money and talent elsewhere.<\/p>\n
I think it is time that Indonesian policymakers review these
\noutdated Indonesian immigration policies and discriminatory
\ncitizenship laws and come to the conclusion that the situation
\nthat existed many decades ago has long changed.<\/p>\n
GREG NILSON
\nHamilton, Canada<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-rights-of-mixed-couples-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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