Sensitive products

Sensitive products

I read with interest the report titled RI steadfast on
protecting sensitive products (The Jakarta Post, Dec. 8, 1995,
page 9). As far as I am concerned, Indonesia's firmness in
protecting sensitive products is no surprise. Meanwhile, for most
people, the policy raises a big question as to why, in this free
trade era, Indonesia still wants to protect its products.

In my opinion, the realization of free trade agreements is
difficult homework for Indonesian officials, since they still
seek, first and foremost, to defend the "national interest". And
other countries could use the same excuse. In such a case, far
from achieving a free trade area, there will be a trade war
instead. Thailand has also threatened to put some of its products
onto the sensitive list.

The 15 products Indonesia wants to have included in the
sensitive list are, among others, rice, sugar, cloves, beans,
milk and wheat flour. Again, this inclusion is sought in the name
of our "national interest." I wonder what is really meant by
"national interest."

FANTY

Kisaran, Sumatra