Cut down illegal levies

In support of business efficiency, the government has promised to cut down levies which cause inflation. The program applies especially in outlying regencies. It appears, however, that the program is not being heeded. Hefty duties are being increasingly imposed on business people.

Through this reader's column I would like to draw attention to the illegal tariffs imposed by the Belitung Fisheries Service in South Sumatra. The fishing potential of this region is enormous. It is to be regretted if this is spoiled by bureaucracy and hefty tariffs which discourage future investors. Many investors are packing up and withdrawing.

I am one of the investors who disagrees with the heavy levies of the Belitung Regencial Fisheries Service. At the time of writing I was about to dispatch my wares to a market in Jakarta and was asked to pay Rp 350,000 for each aquarium fish. The fish does not fetch that much at all in the market.

RICO

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