Economic subversion

Smuggling has become one of the biggest enemies of the Indonesian economy.

Termed as a kind of economic crime, smuggling has become rampant. The authorities however tend to ignore it.

It vividly undermines the country's economy by stirring the prices and killing the quality of domestic products.

Indeed, it is a very serious crime in our country that it should be classified as a subversive act, because it can ruin a country without warning.

The smuggling of various commodities in this country continues to rise inexorably and conspicuously.

For instance, sugar smuggling. Sugar is no longer something sweet for Indonesia. Its sweetness has turned into bitterness, more bitter than gall because Indonesia has been sustaining an annual loss of more than Rp 700 billion (US$700 million) because of illegal sugar.

Sugar is not the only example.

The illegal flow of garments and electronic goods through Indonesia's major seaports has continued.

Certainly, our major seaports have tight security and customs officers, but why does smuggling continue to thrive?

The answer can of course be painful. However, it is something our country has to face because smuggling can only happen in a corrupt country, whose law enforcement is weak and whose security and officials could be bought.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta

GetANT 1.20 -- JUL 28, 2003 12:44:42