Government's insensible plan

Government's insensible plan

From Kontan

I was deeply astonished to read the news report about the customs laws, in which the government plans to impose a fantastically high tax of 340 percent on the cement products. The reasons for imposing such a high excise is that cement belongs to the category of products that produce high pollutants.

I think this argument is quite naive and insensible. As far as I know, the taxable goods are those whose distribution is limited such as liquor and cigarettes. So, is distribution of cement limited? If that is true, should the communities turn to wood for building houses? What about the developers? How will they build multi-story buildings?

Actually, waste from cement factories can be managed properly so as not to do harm to the environment. Or, does the government plan to impose the same high tax on soap products, which many experts consider to be equally polluting?

I believe the government is only thinking of collecting huge funds to be poured into the state coffers, and hence it resorts to acting like a blindfolded boar. It is exactly the same as a public bus driver, who must meet the fee set by the company owner, also resorts to reckless driving with the little or no concern for the public good.

I hope the government will be more responsible and use greater wisdom in its decisions.

DAUD ABDULLAH Jakarta