Export boost needed

Export boost needed

Encouraging exports has become a major theme (in our economic
policies). Various deregulation measures have been taken with the
aim of creating a healthy business climate. Deregulation,
however, is not automatically bringing us closer to our desired
target. The effects of deregulation are greatly dependent on how
we implement it. The proof: despite the various deregulation
measures that have been taken, our non-oil exports are still in a
precarious position, our current account deficit is still high
and our foreign indebtedness -- which basically is meant to cover
our budget deficits -- remains substantially at a high level.

It seems that a new approach is called for in order to step up
our exports. A climate is needed which makes it possible for
creative individuals to emerge to detect and develop new business
opportunities: a climate that yields individuals who can achieve
breakthroughs and absorb manpower.

In the export sector, we should conduct an audit to reevaluate
our major export products. Such an audit should focus on major
export products for the future. We should be moving with greater
vitality in facing the increasingly fierce competition. For that
purpose, a change in our pattern of thinking and acting is
needed. At the very least, we could do this by not putting an
overly great emphasis on elaborate and exhausting procedures.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta