Letters: The complexity of ACFTA

Tue, 02/09/2010 1:44 PM  |  Readers Forum

This is a comment on an article titled "ACFTA to help the country's economy", the Post, Feb. 2, p. 21)

Everyone would benefit from cheaper goods, however not if it's detrimental to the local manufacturers. Indonesia cannot be categorized as a purely trading nation on any scale, but rather a raw materials-supplying country. Its exports are dominated by raw materials, because the Mother Nature has provided plenty but they will eventually be exhausted.

In addition, Indonesia has a large population that can be more productive and competitive, however, despite past two decades of deregulation, it is still hampered by the culture, rules and regulations inherent in the system that limit its liberty to be competitive.

Indonesia is becoming a large consumer nation but at a cost that has to paid sometimes in the future. The decision to become a free trading member nation perhaps was made because Indonesia is a member of ASEAN, however the decision to be included as a continued member of the free trade agreement should be reviewed immediately.

Perhaps a parliamentary inquiry committee (Pansus) should be organized and given 720 days to review such a policy that will gravely impact the existence of many small and medium corporations as well as individuals.

After the Pansus, the people of Indonesia can rest assured about the cost and benefits of the free trade agreement because the people's representative today are more open to outside criticism and side with the nation and the people. Consequently there will be a non-biased final decision on the complexity of the free trade agreement instead of the narrow view of the few.

Roger Kokasih
Jakarta

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