GINSI calls for trade boycott

JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Importers (GINSI) threatened on Monday to call for a boycott goods from Australia and New Zealand, two countries it singled out as meddling with Indonesia's domestic affairs over the East Timor affair.

The boycott threat would be carried out if the two countries tried to impose their will in sending troops to East Timor, GINSI chairman Amirudin Saud told reporters.

Indonesia has run deficits in its trade with Australia and New Zealand, he said.

Indonesia's imports from Australia include textile fibers, non-ferrous metals, petroleum products, machinery, metals, dairy products and bird eggs, iron and steel and electrical machinery.

"We have nothing to lose. We could turn to the United States, Europe and Asia for alternative suppliers," he said. (01)