Jakarta, 46 NGOs against APEC: no to globalization and economic colonization
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - The
Indonesian People's Alliance ( IPA ) , a national forum that brings together 46
NGOs in the country, has denounced the economic globalization and the transfer
of a greater share of the market to multinationals and foreign industries , to
the detriment of local production and the
public. The
joint statement is a response to the final communiqué from the APEC summit (Asia
-Pacific Economic Cooperation , an organization created in 1989 with the aim of
promoting growth in the region ) in Bali, asking for member states to "
promote " the entry of big international companies . For
critics , in fact, in the nine -year term of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
has seen a progressive "colonization " first in strategic state sectors,
followed by the wider consumer market.
"Unfortunately
, we regret to point out that we can not in any way accept any of the
commitments that emerged from the APEC Forum in Bali" underline the 46
NGOs grouped under the acronym IPA . The
excessive economic liberalization that has marked the last decade in the
domestic life of the nation, has caused serious damage to local production.
Walking
along the streets and shopping malls, in fact , it is increasingly easy to see
citizens intent on consuming " European or American products " rather
than local products . And
not only in matters of food and drink, but also in everyday objects and in all
those symbols that are a legacy of the "Western" culture.
Today
in Indonesia not only are the most important assets such as mines and oil
fields dominated by multinationals and foreign giants, but this gradual
"colonization" has also affected the economic sector of business and
finance, food, clothing, the entertainment and leisure industry. That's
why - according to some - a more protectionist policy is now in order after
years of liberalism and openness to the outside world, to regain control of
"key areas " of entrepreneurship and impose a "new model "
of business.
The
46 IPA NGOs point the finger at " internal sovereignty " and call
upon political leaders to respect the 1945 Constitution, which states that
"all the basic and primary goods " such as water, oil , rice , mining
and gas are " administered and
governed " by companies or industries made in Indonesia. A
key battle for control of resources and business, fought also in the midst of
dwindling public opinion given the recent
corruption scandals.
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