Local industry can't use nationalism as smokescreen: SBY

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Wed, 01/07/2009 8:00 PM  

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Wednesday local industries should remain competitive and not hide behind nationalism to keep their business thriving. 

"It is not acceptable to hide behind nationalism, hiding behind sentiments of love for local products, when our industry is not efficient," he said, at the Upakarti award ceremony, an award ceremony for small businesses and handicrafts. 

Yudhoyono added that in the midst of a global recession, it is important for local market to absorb local export products, which would lose its international market. 

Local industries would have to stay competitive with international products, and not increase the prices just because they are locally made he said. 

"If we build that strong base, then sure in a decade's time, Indonesia's economy and market will be strong. There we can sell and develop products for our own people. There is no need to worry about global recession anymore, because we can sell the product to our own market," said the President. (emh)