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