Business leaders call on Kadin to consolidate, boost role

Business leaders call on Kadin to consolidate, boost role

Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

A consolidated and stronger Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (Kadin) is necessary to help bridge the mutual distrust
between the government and businesspeople, say entrepreneurs.

Speaking on the sidelines of Kadin's national convention,
chairman Aburizal Bakrie said that if the government and
businesspeople failed to bridge the gap between them, the divide
would only grow larger.

"It doesn't matter if we have different opinions as long as we
have a dialog about them," said the outgoing chairman. The
convention is expected to select a new chairman on Friday.

World Bank representatives for Indonesia Andrew Steer said at
a business forum on Tuesday that a lack of trust on the part of
businesspeople toward the government stood in the way of economic
growth in Indonesia.

He said the business community did not believe that the
government was headed on the right track.

Businessman Sofyan Wanandi agreed.

"For example, we don't even know where industry is going. Is
it going to be nature-based or labor intensive?" said Sofyan, who
is also chairman of the National Economic Recovery Committee
(KPEN).

Minister of Trade and Industry Rini M.S. Soewandi, who should
have close contact with the private sector, never holds such
discussions, said Sofyan.

"We are the ones who know the situation in the field and who
will deal with the government policies," said Sofyan.

Aburizal, however, commended moves by the Ministry of Finance
to hold talks with Kadin, such as the recent discussion of a
proposed amendment to the country's tax laws.

"We wish all ministers were willing to hold dialogs," he said.

The reason for this unwillingness to talk, according to
Sofyan, is that "we are not equal partners".

Therefore, the first step toward building communication and
eliminating distrust is for Kadin to consolidate internally, he
said.

"If we are strong and have bargaining power, we can become
equal (with the government)."

Aburizal agreed, saying that Kadin should develop inwardly by
strengthening members, especially those in the regions, and
outwardly by trying to improve communication with the government.

Eyebox

The following are the backgrounds of the three candidates running
for the top post at Kadin, and what they think about the future
role of the business group.

Mohammad S. Hidayat

Born in Jombang, East Java, on Dec. 2, 1944, Hidayat is currently
the head of Kadin's division for construction, real estate and
consultancy services. He is the president of holding company PT
Mandiri Sejahtera Utama and the president commissioner of real
estate company PT Puteraco Indah Group.

Kadin in the future:

-- The one and only national business organization and an equal
economic development partner with the central government, as well
as local administrations.
-- Will help realize a probusiness government able to implement
the country's future economic agendas, including reviving the
business sector.

Sharif Cicip Sutardjo

Cicip is currently the head of Kadin's division for
telecommunications, post services and the media, as well as the
head of its China committee. He was born in Yogyakarta 56 years
ago and is the president of the Ariobimo Group.

Kadin in the future:

-- A real counterpart for the government by developing the
credibility of the business sector.
-- Creates a more conducive investment climate for all levels of
the business sector, and creates equal opportunities for doing
business in the country.

Suryo B. Sulisto

Suryo was born in Solo, Central Java, on Feb. 11, 1947. He
currently heads Kadin's division for the promotion of trade,
tourism and investment, and he is also president commissioner of
the Satmarindo Group. Suryo also heads the England and Brazil
committees at Kadin.

Kadin in the future:

-- Develops a synergy with the government to create policies that
are more in keeping with the interests of the private sector.
-- Develops the competitiveness of the country's business sector,
and proves itself useful for its members.