Many govt officials reluctant to support business world, president says

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed regret over the stance of many government officials either at central or regional level for their reluctance to support the business world, and they even tended to hamper development.

"I hear that parts of the prevailing bureaucracy at central or regional level are still unfriendly to issue licences. They even show a tendency to obstruct the normal issuance of licences. This happens at government institutions and state-owned companies," the president said at the state palace Friday when addressing an award presentation function on product quality and productivity.

These officials have really hampered the implementation of programs of the government which is currently trying to develop the real sector in a bid to providing jobs and lowering the poverty rate, he said.

"Perhaps such officials were seeking money illegally. I have been warning in the last three years that this action should not happen. While the situation has been improved, I am still not satisfied with the eradication of the obstacles," Yudhoyono said.

On the occasion the president asked any businesspeople facing such a problem to report it to the postal box specially made available for that purpose.

The president also hoped that all elements of the people give full support to what they wish to build.

The awards had been presented among others to "UD Kamasan Denpasar" (Bali), "UD Karya Bersama" Gresik, East Java, and "Suka Senang", banana chip producer.