Tunky denies textile export quota collusion

JAKARTA (JP): The minister of industry and trade, Tunky Ariwibowo, has denied there is a collusion in the distribution of textile export quotas, Antara reported Saturday.

Tunky said an investigation proved there was no collusion in the allocation of quotas for the export of textiles and textile products.

But he asked people to report any irregularities in quota distribution if they had evidence.

He said the quota distribution system was clearly regulated by a ministerial decree and accusations the system was not transparent and unfair, particularly for small enterprises and cooperatives, were groundless.

The Indonesian Exporters Communication Forum said on May 19 that textile export quotas were allotted discriminately to favor large exporters.

It also alleged that there was collusion between large exporters and the ministry's director for exports who distributed the quotas.

Tunky said the quotas allocated for small companies and cooperatives during the last five years had increased in line with the growth of textile exports.

Indonesian textile and textile product exports rose from US$4.08 billion in 1991 to $6.14 billion in 1992 and $6.18 billion in 1993. They dropped to $5.8 billion in 1994 before rising to $6.2 billion in 1995 and $6.8 billion in 1996.

The number of small companies and cooperatives receiving textile export quotas steadily increased from 26 in 1991 to 30 in 1992, 40 in 1993, 50 in 1994, 52 in 1995 and 92 in 1996. During the first five months of this year, the number surged to 209. (13)