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.