French Product Boycott Action Does Not Make Small Shops Losses

JAKARTA - The Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) economic studies institute hopes that the boycott of French products will not harm small shops.

"In the midst of this pandemic, it is hoped that small shops will not increase their burden due to the boycott of French products," said researcher Indef Rusli Abdullah as quoted by Antara, Thursday, November 5.

According to him, the boycott of French products in Indonesia only affects small traders. The reason is, if one of the mineral water products that are familiar to the community is boycotted, it can reduce income.

"The impact of the boycott can make goods unsold, but in Indonesia it is still relatively conducive. We are still at the level of appeal, we still buy a lot of Aqua," he said.

He hopes that the boycott of French products, which is a moral movement of Muslims, is because they are offended by French President Emmanuel Macron's statement that anarchist action will not be tainted.

"The important thing is not to take anarchist action regarding the boycott of French products which later can harm small shops or MSMEs," he said.

Previously, Danone Indonesia responded to the campaign of boycotting French products in Indonesia after French President Emmanuel Macron's statement was deemed insulting to Muslims.

Danone Indonesia Corporate Communications Director Arif Mujahidin said Danone Indonesia has no connection with the political views of a country, including France, and matters outside the company's business.

"Therefore, as circulating in the media, we welcome the statement made by the Director General of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Trade where the government has taken steps not to participate in boycotting French products because it is outside the context of trade," he said. Wise.

Arif said the company's products such as SGM and Aqua are products developed and produced in Indonesia by Indonesian workers for Indonesian consumers.

"SGM has been around since 1965, Aqua has also been present since 1973 in Indonesia and has become the trust of many consumers until now," he said.