Small businesses

The main constraint facing small-scale businessmen is the difficulty obtaining capital. Banks do not always offer easy loan arrangements to small businesses. Among other things, adequate collateral must be provided. And even when all the requirements are met, the borrower must on occasion set aside part of the small sum he receives to "facilitate cooperation" with bank officials.

This kind of constraint can in the end only be blamed on the source: a corrupt mentality, which must be totally eradicated. Collusion between officials and businessmen which gives rise to social and economic inequities in this country finds its origin in this corrupt mentality. Monopolistic practices, which are the reason why there are no longer any opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs, also has its source in this corrupt mentality.

The only therapy capable of establishing social and economic justice and eliminating inequity is the total eradication of those three diseases: corruption, collusion and monopoly.

Herein lies the challenge that must be answered by our legislators, who are at present in the process of preparing a draft law on small-scale businesses, but who are said to have not even touched the problem of monopoly.

-- Surya, Surabaya