On Kwik's writing
On Kwik's writing
From Kompas
Mr. Kwik Kian Gie's article in Kompas of Oct. 19 is quite
informative and analytical. So as a regular reader of his
articles, I have been tempted to give my response.
Chronologically Kwik dwells on the policies of the reform
government in experimenting with the development of a
distribution line and concludes that the result is considered
very bad. There is a point I wish to express my disagreement on,
namely posing the role of cooperatives vis-a-vis the interest of
common people.
In my opinion this writing is a-priori in nature and smacks of
ethnicity, religion, race, inter-grouping sentiments (SARA). I
realize that Kwik does not represent non-indigenous
entrepreneurs, as in many of his articles he has launched attacks
on non-indigenous business tycoons for enjoying too many
facilities. However, this time his a priori attitude is
excessively dominant.
I believe the present policy pursued by the government is
already moving in the right direction, namely providing the
widest opportunities for the development of small enterprises and
cooperatives, although the result of this policy has yet to come
up to expectations. This "political will" has been dreamed of for
a long time by the people. Well, if you don't believe me, you may
organize polling on this matter.
"The political will" of the government to create the widest
opportunities for small-scale enterprises and cooperatives was
unimaginable during the New Order era. What was very obvious then
was business cronyism with the result that the non-indigenous
businesses could grow well. If Kwik posits the government's
effort to develop small enterprises and cooperatives against the
interest of common people, this is, I believe, erroneous. The
government's political will is already on the right track, namely
taking sides with small enterprises and cooperatives. Indeed, it
is true that the implementation of this policy may still give the
impression that it is experimental. I am convinced that, as has
also often been stated by minister of cooperatives and small and
medium enterprises, the development of the distribution line in
favor of cooperatives and small enterprises is not meant to scrap
the existing distribution line. All are given the opportunity.
However, as the starting points are different, there must be an
incentive of some sort to small enterprises and cooperatives,
among others, in the form of a conducive business climate.
Perhaps the most appropriate statement is that a new level of
equilibrium is needed for all business players in Indonesia on
all business scales. What is left ow is only how to implement all
this.
NANI DJUNAIDI
Manager of BMT Fatahillah Cooperative