Curtailing supermarkets

From Neraca

Efforts to revive the economic standards of the public has been the focus of the media lately. The government has finally decided to curtail supermarket businesses in small towns at regency levels, while on-going supermarkets in the various regions are expected to join traditional cooperatives.

I wholly support the decision to restrict big businesses in small towns. If nothing is done about it, numerous small businesses will eventually find themselves at a huge disadvantage.

Every time a supermarket or department store sprouts up, traditional markets in the surrounding area are badly affected. It seems that government has encouraged this situation.

I suggest that the authorities draft strict regulations on small, middle and big businesses (conglomerates). These regulations should be clearly listed and announced to the public. Publicity, in this case, is necessary, so that the public can learn the regulations.

It is no longer a secret that giant companies have entered into various business enterprises everywhere uninhibited. They resemble octopuses, ready to devour anything (small businesses and cooperatives) in their reach.

It is hoped that the new rule will make all parties aware of economic octopuses. I would like to further suggest that government be more selective when licensing is involved.

As for small businesses and cooperatives, they need to realize that they should cooperate in staving off economic octopuses, which should be staying clear from small regency towns anyway.

MUHAMMAD LIEM

Jakarta