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