Indonesian former Vice President – Jusuf Kalla said, a girl in Seattle, United States, had changed her view toward economy. It happened a few years ago when he was Indonesian trade minister who led a delegation to the World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle.
"At that time there were demonstrations in the United States. We went to the convention through the streets of mice. All students and activists blockaded the main street. Then I saw that girl, who was the field coordinator. I talked to her. I introduced myself and I asked, why they do the demonstration," Kalla said.
The girl explained that the demonstrations were actually aimed at the free trade regime that afflict society in any country and only brought benefit for a small number of capitalists.
The girl, Kalla continued, took a shirt for an example. Indonesia exported those shirts at a price of $15, those same shirts were sold in the United States at a price of $90.
"Where is the 75 dollars? That is eaten by the capitalists. The people of Indonesia are squeezed, so are the people of the United States. The profit only goes to a few people," said Kalla.
source and image credit: Kompas
5 comments:
I remember Vice President Jusuf Kalla cited last year in Jakarta the three issues for the country to continue to enjoy high growth rates. These issues are cutting down costly fuel subsidies, continuing bureaucratic reforms and catching tax dodgers. So I guess this change of Kalla's view on economy is an additional issue to his last year advice to the President.
It is good to know that an activist like this girl from Seattle, United States could also changed the views of a high rank political leader like Kalla. It only shows how open minded Kalla is as a leader.
There can be several factor to held changes in an economy. The leaders must open minder for what the society are seeking. I admire the courage and the strength of this young lady in changing the economical vision of a leader.
Indonesia must be one of the most continuously progressing country in South East Asia. With good governance and technological improvement and other factors it continue to emerge as a new and powerful market. The girl showed how life in Indonesia has been so different.
Amazing girl. Indeed, the power of words can turn the table up side down. What the girl said was true. It does not only affects the Indonesia, but on many countries all over the world.
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