Entrepreneurs requested
foreign Non-Government Organization (HGO) not to spread rumors that disturb
Indonesia’s exports. The disturbance done by foreign NGOs is especially
concerning natural resource-based industries such as paper and crude palm oil
(CPO). Even, these foreign NGOs aimed at undermining the Indonesian economy
rather than providing constructive feedback.
Sofjan Wanandi, General Chairman of the Indonesian
Employers Association (Apindo), in Jakarta (Friday, September 13), called for
the NGOs in the country not to ruin exports by giving statements that make
Indonesia export commodities in the international market disrupted. He hoped
that domestic NGOs not to disturb because Indonesia needs to boost exports. He
also admitted that he frequently received complaints from the national
entrepreneurs who experience decrease in exports, due to rumors spread by
foreign NGOs. “We asked foreign NGOs to immediately stop doing this because
black campaign is very disturbing to our exports”, he said.
Foreign NGOs negative campaign against Indonesian export
products is very disturbing to the business community in the country. Moreover,
they send a letter to overseas buyers not to buy Indonesian products,
especially pulp & paper and palm oil, such as what is done by Greenpeace
recently who sent a provocative letter to buyers.
What is fought and campaigned by foreign NGOs is not pure
anymore because many of them have been exploited by international firms to
attack Indonesia. Sofjan admitted that currently there are still matters that
are related to the environment and forestry in Indonesia that must be
addressed. There is no reason for Greenpeace or other foreign NGOs to
constantly pressure the national forestry industry has been practicing
environmental sustainability-based business.
Businessmen complained in the presence of the Minister of
Industry, Minister of Trade, and the Minister of Finance about export activity.
In the Forum for Improvement of Manufacturing Industry Exports, one of the
obstacles to export is campaigns by NGOs. Black campaign must be fought.
Entrepreneurs should unite under Indonesia Incorporated to fight against the
black campaign. In addition to disturbances from NGOs, export activity is also
constrained by illegal levies. “We are asking the help of the officers,
including those in the regions, to facilitate, and not to collect illegal
payment”, he said.
He invites the stakeholders, ranging from the business
community, NGOs, society as well as the governments policy makers to jointly
ward off foreign accusations. The reason is that foreigners are always accusing
or launching black campaign against Indonesian industrial products exported to
several countries which are considered not environmentally friendly.
As
a result of the black campaign, Indonesian products, one of which is forestry
products, are declined by export destination countries. The reason they do not
want to accept Indonesian products is because they are not environmentally
friendly. Related to that, Indonesia had to fix and maintain compactness so
that such accusations can be resisted. The black campaign conducted by foreign
parties has an impact on the declining value of national exports of industrial
products. This is very detrimental to Indonesian industries, while other
countries which do not have resources will benefit from this.
Business News - September 18, 2013
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