JP/6/OTH29

JP/6/OTH29

Economic subversion

Smuggling has become one of the biggest enemies of the
Indonesian economy.

Viewed as a kind of economic crime, smuggling has become
rampant. The authorities, however, have tended to ignore it.

It rapidly undermines the country's economy by distorting
prices and stifling the market for domestic products.

Indeed, it is such a serious crime in our country that it
should be classified an act of subversion, because it can ruin a
country without warning.

The smuggling of a variety of commodities into this country
continues to rise inexorably and conspicuously.

Take, for instance, sugar smuggling. Sugar is no longer
something sweet for Indonesia. Its sweetness has turned into
bitterness, all the more so because Indonesia has been sustaining
an annual loss of more than Rp 700 billion (US$700 million) due
to sugar smuggling.

Sugar is not the only example.

The illegal flow of garments and electronic goods through
Indonesia's major seaports has continued.

To be sure, our major seaports have customs officers and tight
security, but why does smuggling continue to thrive?

The answer is, of course, painful. However, it is something
our country has to face up to because smuggling can only happen
within a corrupt country, whose law enforcement is weak and whose
security and officials could be bought.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta