Deregulation welcomed

Deregulation welcomed

From Merdeka

The government's deregulation packages have provided an opportunity to entrepreneurs to develop their businesses which are mainly aimed at enhancing export value. As many as 16,000 tariffs were lowered. The government has taken this brave step not only to benefit businesspeople but also to create a healthy economy.

Entrepreneurs, economic practitioners and society should welcome this policy whereby national producers can improve the quality and increase the volume of their products.

Illegal fees collected here and there have led to a high cost economy, causing companies to reduce workers' salaries, and forcing them to sell their products at a high price.

But the regulation will not serve its purpose if it does not receive bureaucrats' full support. In the past, deregulation failed because of a lack of support in its implementation -- bribery was rampant and procedures for obtaining permits were difficult etc.

A legislator has rightly said there must be a political will on the part of bureaucrats to correctly implement the government's policies. Whether or not these new deregulations will hit the target remains to be seen.

USMAN CHAERUDDIN

Bekasi, West Java