Export goes down

Export goes down

During the last two months, US182 million worth of export contracts have been canceled, and another $30 million worth is expected to experience the same fate. Cancellation occurred because of doubts among buyers on the situation in the country. It has been a bitter pill for Indonesia, despite hopes that exports could support the ailing economy. The cancellations caused a big loss from "relatively small" problems which have been occurring in some areas.

At the beginning of the economic crisis some 18 months ago, analysts predicted that Indonesia's exports would boom because of lower production costs. However, the country's golden opportunity has been hampered by political and security instability.

The Armed Forces might be the most responsible party to guarantee security and public order.

But the key is national awareness of the need to create security for all, and push aside the bad image Indonesia has in the eyes of the international community.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta