Love local products!

Love local products!

After the launch of the "Love Rupiah" campaign, the time is
now ripe to launch a "Love Indonesian Products" campaign. The
theme for this could be: "Be Indonesian and buy Indonesian." Most
of the products produced locally are of acceptable quality and
are reasonably priced, as compared to imported merchandise. In
fact, some locally made products are exported to other countries
and used by foreigners.

We should prefer to use local products and curtail the use of
imported products as far as possible. To begin with, we have a
large variety of local fruits and vegetables and there is no
reason for us to buy imported eatables which are available even
from roadside vendors. Though the color and packing of imported
items may look more attractive the food value is the same.

Entrepreneurs should establish Indonesian fast food chains. It
is needless to mention here that Indonesian food is healthier
than other "fast foods," which are considered "junk food," even
in their respective countries of origin. Locally produced
toiletries, fabrics, garments, shoes, electronics, watches, and
other consumer products satisfy exactly the same needs of the
customers as imported items.

If we impose self-discipline by restricting the purchase of
imported merchandise, shop owners will be discouraged to stock
and import such items.

In order to further improve the quality of local products, it
should be made mandatory for each industry to have a research and
development wing. Any import substitute product developed
locally, should enjoy special privileges such as exemption from
taxes etc. Such measures would certainly encourage people to look
for alternatives and restrict imports.

Foreign reserves are precious for any country, therefore they
should be utilized discreetly and only for predetermined
priorities.

R.K. CHOPRA

Jakarta