Surmounting disparities

Surmounting disparities

The Bali Declaration made public on Aug. 27 contains the views
and hopes of our big entrepreneurs. Through it we will hopefully
be able to realize the conglomerates' potential to promote the
growth of economic democracy in accordance with Article 33 of our
Constitution.

We can also ask to what extent the Bali Declaration will help
overcome the existing social and economic disparities.

We very much hope that a mechanism can be devised to
accomplish a more equal distribution of business opportunities.
As the Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications, Joop
Ave, told reporters in Jakarta on Wednesday, businesses cannot be
expected to react to appeals but must be managed in order to
create a mechanism. On that same occasion a director of Bakrie
Brothers, Tanri Abeng, emphasized that in order to help small-
scale businesses surmount social disparities, capital is not the
only factor -- an equalization of opportunities and upgrading of
managerial capabilities is also necessary.

-- Suara Pembaruan, Jakarta