Indonesia Abolishes Over 3,000 Local Government By-Laws Hampering Business

By Azeman Ariffin JAKARTA, June 23 (Bernama) -- The Indonesian government has abolished 3,143 local government by-laws seen as hampering business and foreign investment. These laws, which include 111 laws under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry, are to be withdrawn effective July. Local media quoted Home Ministry director-general Soni Sumarsono as saying that some of the laws were contrary to national laws. Soni said the central government found that there were many laws which forced a businessmen to deal with many persons and with the abolition of these laws, the government could introduce a one-stop centre for investment and business matters. President Joko Widodo ordered the abolition of thousands of local government by-laws and wanted the republic to be "easy for doing business". The Indonesian president said the by-laws which were abolished weakened national interests, were bad for competition and went against the unification of the people. He added that these by-laws were also a factor contributing to slow growth of district economies and were too bureaucratic. "I stress that the abolition (of the by-laws) are meant to transform Indonesia into a major nation which is tolerant and competitive," he said. --BERNAMA