The lament of small entrepreneurs

The lament of small entrepreneurs

From Bisnis Indonesia

Small businesspeople in the regions are concerned about the deteriorating condition of the country's economy. The value of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar continues to decline, exerting an unfavorable impact on the economy. Moreover, the government increased stamp duties by 300 percent as of May 1, 2000, disregarding the nominal value of the transaction.

I may say that this country has been ruled by a band of barbarians who resort to repressive acts against the people through the establishment of numerous laws on taxes.

I can understand the policy of increasing the value of the revenue stamp if it is done according to the nominal value of the transactions. For instance, the Rp 3,000 stamp is used for transactions ranging from Rp 2 million to Rp 5 million, and the Rp 6,000 stamp for transactions exceeding Rp 5 million.

How can small entrepreneurs make a profit if the costs of running the business are too burdensome? Not to mention the increase in electricity and telephone bills, the hike of the minimum wage and a planned increase in the price of gas.

I hope the economists can voice our concerns and pay serious attention to our complaints.

AGUS P.

Bengkulu