High cost economy

As emphasized by President Soeharto in his Independence Day speech, deregulation measures are intended to prepare the nation for a highly competitive economy in this era of globalization.

Also it is worth noting that the government's economic measures are aimed at abolishing the high cost economy gradually.

Truly, the deregulation measures have led to the increased volume of non-oil exports. But the export of non-oil commodities has not as yet been supported by any improvement in efficiency.

The increase is mainly attributed to the availability of both natural and human resources. Natural resources will continue to be advantageous in the next decade, but the availability of cheap labor cannot remain stable. We must adapt our working pace to the rapid advance of the times. This is the challenge that has to be faced.

-- Suara Karya, Jakarta