Indonesia Incorporated?

Indonesia Incorporated?

We have noted that since the International Monetary Fund
announced its US$23 billion rescue packet about a month ago, no
major steps have been taken to show our desire to get out of the
present crisis. The impression so far has been that we are
viewing that $23 billion package as a prescription that will cure
our problems.

Watching the steps which the government and our private
businesspeople have been taking amid the present crisis, it is
easy to see that what is referred to as Indonesia Incorporated
has as yet not materialized, even though our officials and
businesspeople have been talking about this most important matter
for a long time.

Up to this day no trading house has been set up that is truly
under the control of Indonesian businesspeople. The marketing
abroad of our commodities is still controlled by foreign sales
agents. No wonder that the expansion of our exports is proceeding
at such a low pace.

Japan has been able to dominate the world economy because they
have what is known as the sogo sosha. This is what is referred to
as Japan Incorporated. Our trade decision makers are generally
well aware of this. Yet, as we can see at present, Indonesia
Incorporated is still far from being reality.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta