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