Indonesians should follow the Japanese in curtailing foreign businesses: Prabowo

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sun, 05/24/2009 3:10 PM  |  Business

Prabowo Subianto said Sunday American retailer Wal-Mart's collapse in Japan was a good example for Indonesia of scaling back the expansion of foreign retailers while simultaneously supporting local market traders in the country.

“What the Japanese did was a good example of nationalism. They knew that shopping at Wal-Mart would be bad for local farmers and stores,” said the running mate of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle's presidential candidate Megawati Soekarnoputri at a talk show held at The Jakarta Playhouse (GKJ).

Reuters earlier reported that Wal-Mart would be closing up to 20 unprofitable outlets and cutting 6 percent of its workforce as it struggles in Japan.

“I realize that we can hardly stop foreign incursion. Indonesia plunged into the global market so long ago; therefore, we cannot stop all imports very easily. And we could possibly collapse if foreign countries declined to accept our exports,” the Great Indonesia Movement Party's (Gerindra) patron said.

“We just have to remember that if we shop at foreign superstores, our farmers and small market traders will cry. The Japanese example is a good example of nationalism. If we follow suit, foreign expansion can be curtailed,” Prabowo said. (bbs)
 


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Joseph Hoo (not verified) — Sat, 05/30/2009 - 11:34pm

Mr. Prabowo Subianto's comment missed the point and draws a wrong conclusion. Japanese government does not prohibit any foreign businesses, but many foreign businesses simply could not compete with the Japanese counterparts and could not survive in Japan. It is not only Wal-Mart, but also other American big businesses, e.g. car manufacturers, insurance companies, financial companies, other supermarkets, etc., because the Japanese counterparts provide better products and services. However, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Porsche and many other high quality foreign products are doing well in Japan.

Nonetheless, Japan does prohibit foreign takeover and would not allow foreign entity to become a major share holder in a Japanese company. Because the short term vision of western businesses, especially American, are counterproductive to Japanese business culture.

Indonesia should not compare itself with Japan, but should learn from those 25 years ago poorer countries like India and China. Indonesia with its abundant natural resources and talented human resources should be able to do better than India and China, if it is carried out properly.

submitted by Joseph Hoo, Chicago/USA

JT (not verified) — Fri, 05/29/2009 - 8:30pm

I think I understand what he is trying to say, but right direction....wrong implementation, can be disastrous. But the thing is local Japanese goods ARE SUPER HIGH QUALITY, I would rather buy locally in Japan rather go to Wal-Mart, except maybe for like cheap shampoo etc...

But in Indonesia, this is not the case....in Japan, even a small farmer planting cabbage, they spent hours and hours of labor and trial and error to make the best cabbage they can, in Indonesia.....yeah what ever I wont even go into it.

Rather than curtailing foreign business, just make Indonesia competitive enough to go against foreign business. Invest in local markets, to make it cleaner more accessible to people. Encourage local supermarkets to buy their goods from locally grown veges, or spices etc. Seriously all talk and do nothing ....
For once I hope there is someone worthy of the leadership position in Indonesia to come up!

Izzuddin (not verified) — Fri, 05/29/2009 - 7:51am

I noticed in the Business section of the Jakarta Post yesterday that Japan remains the single largest export market for Indonesian products. Would Prabowo salute the glorious nationalist Japanese farmers if they succeeded in curtailing these 'foreign' imports?

I will become a member of his party if he can show us that his family's investments are all in Rupiah.

IYEN (not verified) — Thu, 05/28/2009 - 1:54pm

I surely agree with all the comments here and I'd like to ask Mr.Prabowo what he will do to show us of a good example of Nationalism. These are my suggestion for Mr.Pabowo Subianto of showing his Nationalism that he can sell all of his expensive foreign cars like BMW or Lexus,eat at the local canteen; shopping at the traditional market and stay at the budget hostels. Then,you will talk all your economic concept of Nationalism and I would back you up fully;else, you are just a hypocrite.

Mad Hatter of Bali (not verified) — Thu, 05/28/2009 - 12:10pm

Indonesia;

1) We want more foreign investment.
2) We want more foreign aid.
3) We want more foreign tourist dollars.
4) We do not want foreign businesses.
5) We do not want foreigners.
6) We do not want foreign intervention in our corrupt ways.

4 + 5 + 6 = Shooting your own feet and the reason for 1 + 2 + 3, because foreigners do not want Indonesia, except when they get a bargain.

Thomas (not verified) — Wed, 05/27/2009 - 9:55pm

Dear Mr Prabowo, for the Japanese case it might be Nationalism, but Japan has a very different Economic development and the mentality of the people of Japan is very different with Indonesia. How can we implement what happened there and just transplant it here (as statistician will say its a threat to external validity)

2nd point is that, as some other commented you are a very dangerous man if u come in power. You dare to ask the position of president to the PDIP, what will become of you if you're the VP.

3rd point, which basically strengthen the 2nd point is that the fact your party has some shady character such as Muchdi (anybody remember Munir's case)and some other ex new Order military characters.Are we seeing the revival of the old Soeharto system, being restrored surprisingly, by the PDIP.

The scenario that I'm horribly worried is that (knockwood)if this duo is elected we'll have a case similar to Munir, but its against our dear Madam Megawati. God Help us all.

Nadhry (not verified) — Wed, 05/27/2009 - 7:22pm

First, I'm not sure if there's any use for blaming foreign supermarket chains for the fate of Indonesian farmers and small markets. Also, using Wall mart -a.k.a Seiyu in Japan- is off the target. If you've shopped around in Japan you'd likely realize that Japanese owned supermarkets like Ito-yokado, Samitto, and Daiei are offering better goods and services. Those big Japanese supermarkets then makes business tough for small business.

Mbah Suraji (not verified) — Wed, 05/27/2009 - 12:46pm

When Prabowo acts like an officer and takes responsibility for the deaths of the activists he kidnapped, including the poet Wiji Thukul who is currently still missing, I will be able to trust him. I would even visit him in prison and bring him some pecel Madiun to boost the ironic pro-poor image he is trying to project. He is a nightmare even without power, how could he ever have been allowed to make a party and run for office? Say NO to the two candidates with blood on their hands!

Dion (not verified) — Wed, 05/27/2009 - 11:30am

I agree with the idea of Mr. Prabowo, but not one hundred percent agree. It would be better, I think, for Mr. Prabowo to encourage the Indonesian people, not only with words but also with good examples, to love Indonesian local products more than foreign products. I am very sure it would be the best way to make foreign stores opening in Indonesia die naturally. Bravo Mega Prabowo!

Readernew (not verified) — Wed, 05/27/2009 - 10:51am

Great idea Mr Prabowo! I would even go further and suggest that his family members take a leading role in this nationalistic approach. Hashim for instance could easily repatriate his business from Canada to Indonesia and himself from the UK to Indonesia. This could be a great support as he would then pay taxes only in his native country; nowhere else. How about that before voicing demands?

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