Toward implementation of
ASEAN Economic Community [AEC] in 2015, Indonesian marketplayers were
consolidating. With the beginning of free market era in Asean next year, opportunities
were open wider for Indonesian businesspeople to market their products
overseas. In spite of great challenges from the external, it was expected that
AEC would stimulate domestic economic growth.
Upon entering the political year which was transitional
the businessworld would feel the effect of national instability. Banking
observer Jeffrey Wurangian stated that the legal political and security factor
would bring significant impact on Indonesia’s macro economy. “Economic growth
this year is expected to be positive. Indonesia’s trade balance is bettered
before we join AEC next year,” Jeffrey disclosed to Business News [17/1].
Today the banking sector was focusing attention on credit
from small-and-medium business [UKM]. A perfect moment for entrepreneurs
building their business. To learn a lesson from 2008 crisis. This was the
reason why helping KM was a trend to Indonesian banks. “In a situation where
economy is difficult, credit for the UKM sector held less risk than credit for
corporations” Jeffrey was quoted as saying.
The UMKM sector was constantly growing. Enterpereneurship
was energizing the young generation. Regulations became important to ensure
security for UMKM and clarify the rule-of-the-game and the consequences. “Day
after day the UMKM sector was developing. The Government must be responsive
enough to accommodate the trend and not to let UMKM being unprepared to the AEC
in 2015.”
In a different location, Chairman of the Executive Board
of the Indonesian Chinese Businesspeople Association Richard Tan stated that
China’s economy could rely on ASEAN. China was more frequently running events
especially expo which involved Asean. Some big projects like power plant,
bridges, or even big dam like the Jatigede dam in Sumedang West Java was
important for Indonesia-China relationship in investment. The Jatigede dam when
completed would be the biggest dam in Southeast Asia. Electricity supply from
the Water Powered Generator [PLTA] would be realized. “The project was once
suspended, but now running again” Richard disclosed to Business News sometime
ago.
The dam would hold water as much as 70%. The reservoir
area had been well calculated by the project planner to fulfill ideal capacity.
“One of the infra structure needed today is electricity. We can no longer rely
on electricity supply from coal powered generators, solar powered, wind,
thermal heat etc. China is one country who had successfully build electricity infra
structure.” Richard said.
Perpit also saw increasing trend in Indonesia-China trade
relationship. One of the events which was part of national agenda was CAEXPO
[China-Asean Expo]. Many activities in investment and trading would promote
China-Asean strategic partnership. In the past 10 years, China’s investments in
Asean especially Indonesia had been growing, We must maintain this. I am also
involved in nickel mining activities in East Indonesia. China was expecting
mineral supply from Indonesia.”
Meanwhile Business News during a four day visit to
Bangkok saw display banners and balihoo exposing AEC. Public activity centers
like Udotany, Nong Khay Tailand were displaying banners and balihoo. The people
of Thailand were highly reliant on tourism, so anti-Government demonstrations
against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawarta did not disturb Tourism activities.
“The public sector and tourism remained’ sacred’. We are only run
demonstrations, to urge PM Yingluck to step down at once. We are not anarchic
or disturb foreign tourists activities” Witt, a demonstrator coordinator at
Lumphini Park Bangkok disclosed to Business News [16/1]. (SS)
Business News - January 22, 2014
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