Exodus of tangerine growers

From Forum Keadilan

I became very depressed when I read a feature entitled Exodus of Pontianak tangerine growers: spirits sag at commercial order, in Forum No. 12/V/23 September 1996. Moreover, this has happened as a wave of foreign fruit like apples from the USA, Australian pears, Mandarin oranges, New Zealand apples, red grapes, and more, are hitting the local market.

The spirits of these tangerine growers are low. How do we expect to promote local fruit consumption if preference for imported fruit appears overwhelming?

While trying to stem the flow of imported fruit, the tangerine growers of Pontianak in West Kalimantan bemoan the existing commercial procedures.

Thousands of tangerine growers in West Kalimantan have left their profession for menial jobs in neighboring Malaysia. They are forced to do so to sustain themselves and their families with a steady income.

Being a great nation due to the achievements of its people, Indonesia should eliminate the tangerine trade order and the existing commercial procedures. Let the growers take care after they produce themselves under fair supervision. Do not let tons of tangerines rot away for unclear reasons.

DJOKO PERMONO

Jakarta