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Businesses unite to oppose CSR bill deliberation
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Business concerns: Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) chairman Hariyadi B. Sukamdani (left) and Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) chairman Rosan Roeslani speak to journalists on Nov. 29 in a press briefing. Business lobby groups have expressed their opposition to the corporate social responsibility (CSR) bill being prioritized in the 2017 National Legislation Program (Prolegnas). (JP/Winny Tang)
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usiness lobby groups in the country have expressed their opposition to a proposal by lawmakers to include a corporate social responsibility (CSR) bill in the priority bills for the 2017 National Legislation Program (Prolegnas), arguing that social spending should remain voluntary to help businesses grow.
“Our best efforts will be made to fight against [the passing of the bill]. It will become another tax burden for businesses [if we don’t],” Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) chairman Hariyadi B. Sukamdani said as quoted by tribunnews.com on Monday.
If passed into law, it would be the first piece of legislation to provide comprehensive guidelines for CSR practices. At present, CSR practices are partially regulated. According to the draft CSR bill, companies in the natural resources and related sector, for instance, would be obligated to participate in environmental social responsibility. However, it does not contain the ideal portion of CSR funds, taxation on CSR funds and schemes to carry out CSR programs.
Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) chairman Rosan P. Roeslani supported Hariyadi’s view, saying that mandatory CSR spending would discourage business players.
“[CSR spending] must be allowed to grow naturally according to the ability of every business,” he said. (hwa)
