A sincere stimulus package

How interesting it was to turn our attention to the government's response to the Marriott Hotel bombing tragedy.

A day after the incident, the government promised to launch a number of stimulus packages to cushion the economy against the impact of the latest terrorist bomb attack.

The objective of the stimulus, as mentioned by Finance Minister Budiono, is to restore the business climate and investment in Indonesia.

Certainly, a business stimulus is expected to be launched in the near future so that it could be enjoyed by businessmen.

However, they have to be brace themselves for some disappointment, because economic packages sometimes miss their target.

It is still fresh in our minds that soon after last year's Bali bombing tragedy, the government announced a number of stimulus packages.

However in reality, businessmen have conceded that instead of enjoying the stimulus, they were the ones who had to provide incentives to the government.

Hence, we have to admit that the government, without the Bali and Marriott bombings, has been cornered as a result of its limited funds.

On the preparation of the stimulus package after the Marriott bombing, it would be better for the government to have a dialog with businessmen so that the economic package to be launched could hit its mark.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta