The partnership concept

The concentration of economic power in the hands of a small group of big businessmen obviously leads to envy. The question is whether formal means, such as legislation, provide the best way out for the entire nation. The point is, unless great care is exercised the law could be used by a few to gain the biggest possible profit without really doing business.

On the other hand, too much coercion could result in businessmen taking their capital abroad. This scenario could well come true given the weak position of the law in Indonesia and the laggard development of a civil society.

It is because of such considerations that we can understand why President Soeharto has proposed partnerships between small and medium-scale enterprises and big businesses. Through such a concept, the linking occurs between those who really want to get into business and already successful players. Those who only think of reaping the benefits without going into any real business will be disappointed.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta