Why imported goods?

Why imported goods?

From Kompas

I would like to congratulate PT Saranapratama Artamandiri,
which has built apartments in response to the call of the Jakarta
Administration. A report on this project was published in Kompas
on 2 April 1996.

However I do have a concern. Why is it that the building
should use so many imported materials, such as for its floor
tiles, door locks and electrical items? Aren't these produced
domestically and available in local markets at competitive
prices? Obviously these imported goods have eaten up a lot of
foreign exchange. This is contrary to the spirit of the "I love
domestic products" campaign.

With a preference for foreign goods still prevailing in
society, the government will find it very hard to make people
love home-made articles. We need to change our attitude toward
loving everything foreign.

A. HARYA PRABAWA

Depok, West Java