Repaying loans

Repaying loans

A number of big businesses are reported to have repaid their
outstanding loans to state-owned banks. Even loans that have not
matured have reportedly been repaid.

In view of such a development the rumors that have been
circulating have it that the action taken by the businessmen were
motivated by fear of possible public -- and government -- action
against their companies. Questions such as who will come after
Eddy Tansil, or who will come after Robby Thahjadi, disturb their
minds.

For some time apprehension has existed among businessmen as
they observed how thin the line is that distinguishes banking
secrets from public secrets. The issue is further sharpened by
the fact that the question of social inequity has also become a
matter of public concern.

However, it has not been established that those facts have
actually been the reason why so many big businesses have so
suddenly been motivated to repay their loans. The attestations of
those who have openly admitted to having repaid their loans have
not validated such an impression.

We are certain that such methods of disclosure are not the
government's choice because they might not only threaten the
principles of banking secrecy, they could also seriously upset
business security.

It is now up to the public to maturely assess the problems
which confront the business community at present. We most
certainly agree that collusions, the marking up of project costs
or any other scams to obtain bank credits must not occur.
However, it does not seem necessary that we burn down the rice
barn to catch the mouse.

-- Kompas