A sincere stimulus package

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