Eliminating levies

Eliminating levies

The problem Indonesian businesspeople complain most about is
the countless and burdensome levies. The levies, both official
and unofficial, occur at virtually all government agencies. This
results in a high-cost economy that weakens the competitive
standing of our products and creates a climate of gross
inefficiency.

The levies, which are not related to production, also affect
foreign investors. It is therefore logical that when foreign
trade attaches met with Minister of Industry and Trade Tungky
Aribowo in Jakarta on Wednesday, they and members of foreign
business associations brought up the problem again.

The levies appear closely related to the matter of licensing.
It is therefore practically impossible to completely eliminate
the problem, especially with regard to licenses that are issued
on the basis of government regulations, including at the
provincial level. Nevertheless, reducing the levies to a
reasonable levels is necessary, especially in cases which concern
production.

Eliminating levies should be accompanied by tight controls
because the matter is bound to somehow affect the incomes of
certain people. An open attitude on the part of government
officials and private businesspeople is desirable in order to
create a climate of transparency.

Pruning these levies will give us hope that we will truly be
ready to enter the new era of free trade -- an era full of
uncertainties.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta