Dominance in economy

Dominance in economy

Prof. Dr. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, a noted senior economist, spoke about the gap in the economy where economic tycoons get easy access to business opportunities and funds from banks. The government also gives protection to their business and industries. The professor is very unhappy because the government lacks sincerity in overcoming this gap.

As a result of the dominance of large-scale businessmen over medium and small scale business, which has in fact been going on for long time, the creation of a strong entrepreneurship class in society is inevitably obstructed. In other words, under these circumstances the Indonesian economy will not get stronger and the effort to achieve equity in the distribution of wealth and prosperity will likely be thwarted.

-- Kompas, Jakarta

It is worth noting that economic strategies in many countries are colored by struggles to abolish the rich-poor gap. Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and the Philippines, for example, have worked in that direction. They have not been entirely successful because the problems are too complex.

The concept of equity and economic growth should be related to the concept of justice. This can be redefined as meaning equal opportunity for all parties, which can further be taken to mean that the government needs to introduce regulations that facilitate business operations for the 30 million or more small business people. Actively involving them in the economy will raise the living standard of a large portion of the population.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta

The establishment of independent investment funds to channel credits to the less-privileged businessmen is not enough to guarantee them a stronger position in free market operations. Eradicating collusion and checking the conglomerates' greedy activities is the most important thing.

-- Republika, Jakarta

Without a clear-cut government directed policy to narrow the economic gap, it will be very difficult for medium and small scale businessmen to improve their performance or catch up.

-- Suara Karya, Jakarta

Reallocation of investment and credit facilities for small businessmen/cooperatives is essential to achieve balanced economic growth. If ignored, the gap between the few dominating groups and the smaller class of entrepreneurs will widen indefinitely.

-- Pikiran Rakyat, Bandung