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