Dominated by Lifestyle, Indonesian Market Targeted by Foreigners

Factory outlet entrepreneur Perry Tristianto stated this during a Pentahelix forum held by RMOL TV at Hotel Bumi Siliwangi, Bandung, West Java. Perry shared his experience of a dialogue with a former economic minister regarding the existence of mafias controlling several strategic commodities. “I once spoke with a former economic minister. I said, there is this mafia, that mafia, controlling commodities. Why must they exist? The answer was, ‘a channel for blessings’,” Perry said. According to him, economic problems cannot be explained solely by fluctuations in the Dollar exchange rate or global geopolitical conditions. He believes the government must also be bold enough to address structural issues domestically. Perry also highlighted the high consumerist culture in Indonesia, which he says creates opportunities for other countries. “Indonesia is dominated by lifestyle. Our market is targeted by other countries, we are not the ones dominating our own market,” he said. He gave an example that some of Indonesia’s superior products are actually easier to find abroad than domestically. “If I want to find good quality shrimp, why do I have to go to Singapore? Even though the shrimp is from Indonesia,” he said. Furthermore, Perry assessed that various regulations imposed on the business sector are not a problem as long as they are applied fairly to all business actors. “Government programmes are good. Please implement them. But they must be fair. Don’t let some be subjected to the rules while others are not,” he stressed. He cited the implementation of taxes, groundwater tariffs, and various other obligations that must be enforced consistently without discrimination. Not only criticising the government, Perry also reminded entrepreneurs to be brave enough to introspect. “Don’t just blame the government. Entrepreneurs must also be blamed if they are wrong,” he said. He even believes that supervision of the business world must be tightened to prevent practices that harm the public. “The government must supervise more strictly. Don’t let anyone play around or be tempted by certain interests,” he said. According to Perry, entrepreneurs must also realise that business sustainability cannot be separated from the role of workers. “Entrepreneurs must realise that they are supported by their employees, not the other way around,” he concluded.