RI firms too dependent on foreign managers

RI firms too dependent on foreign managers

JAKARTA (JP): The educational system, which has failed to
produce citizens with strong managerial skills, is to blame for
the reliance of Indonesian firms on foreign expertise, a
prominent executive believes.

"In order to compete, the employment of expatriate managers is
needed but in the long run, our businesses dependence on foreign
managers will be counterproductive," the president of PT Bakrie &
Brothers, Tanri Abeng, said at a workshop on human resources
development yesterday.

He said Indonesia needs to increase the number of local
managers by making changes in the educational system.

He said that contributing to the education gap are the
protectionist measures introduced by the government in the past
few years, which have allowed Indonesian managers to be less
creative and innovative.

The economy's continuing dependence on agriculture in the last
few decades has also played a role in the slow promotion of
managerial skills.

"This situation has forced new companies to hire expatriates
or to hijack experienced managers from other firms at high
costs," said Tanri, who himself was transferred from a foreign
joint venture to Bakrie & Brothers a few years ago at a cost of
about US$1 million.

Tanri suggested that Indonesia promote the establishment of
education and training programs to create skillful managers.(yns)