Business declaration

Business declaration

Ninety-six Indonesian big businessmen gathered in Jimbaran, Bali, to discuss the application of Pancasila ethics to national economic practices. The deliberations resulted in the issuance of a joint statement called "Bali Declaration."

The declaration suggests, among other things, that a task force be established, with the aim to overcome the social- economic gap in this country.

I sincerely welcome their honest and patriotic intention to truly implement Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution. I would like to suggest that they design a down-to-earth and realistic program, such as:

1. Terminate any kind of unpopular trade system, like the monopoly system. Products under such a system will only be available at high prices. These products are mostly more expensive than imported goods, such as flour, cooking oil, sugar, cattle feed, cement, paper, garlic, etc. The trade will only benefit businessmen and totally disregard the purchasing power of the people.

2. Improve workers' wages so that they can live a decent life. Do not exploit them and treat them as cheap labor.

3. Help the government curb corruption by not offering bribes to government officials. Do honest business, refrain from using all kinds of facilities and collusion. And give fair opportunities to small and medium-scale businesses.

4. Big businesses must be honest in assessing their taxes. Likewise, tax officials must avoid corrupt practices and collusion with tax payers.

These are the things that the people expect to happen. It would be unfair if economic growth is only enjoyed by the ruling few and big businessmen or other exclusive groups.

SUHARSONO HADIKUSUMO

Jakarta