Small-scale businessmen

Small-scale businessmen

From Merdeka

Indonesian economic growth is a reflection of the success of
development. But unfortunately, the fruits of the economic pie
are concentrated with a certain group of businessmen and small
portion of society.

Small and middle-scale businessmen and those who live in small
towns and villages almost never get their shares.

This is because the government has not enforced fair play in
giving facilities -- especially bank loans -- and services which
mostly benefit Chinese businessmen and the families of the top
government officials.

I think, it is important for the government to again enforce
Rule No. 10/1959, which states that businessmen of Chinese
descent cannot do business in the district areas and villages.

This rule was enforced to protect the local small-scale
businessmen in those areas and the farmers from losing their
land.

Many cases show that the farmers are forced (sometimes through
violence) to sell their land to the rich businessmen at low
prices, although their land is their source of earning a living.

Don't get me wrong, it is not a question of a racial issue but
the wisdom of the government not to be unfair and give special
facilities, bank loans and services to the certain group of
businessmen.

YOPI TOMASOA

Jakarta