Carmelita Hartoto Talks About The Government's Lack Of Attention To Ship Entrepreneurs

Carmelita Hartopo hopes that the government will pay attention to shipping operators. (Instagram @carmelitahartoto

JAKARTA - Almost all business lines have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This was done by Carmelita Hartoto as Chairperson of the DPP INSA (Indonesian National Shipwoners' Association). In this condition, according to him, the government still has not paid attention to INSA members.

"We've often talked about this, but haven't heard of it. Compared to similar entrepreneurs from Singapore and Malaysia, they get convenience from their country. We haven't gotten that from our government. The regulations are not pro to local entrepreneurs," he told VOI recently when met at the Kadin Headquarters, Jakarta.

In general, this situation is now sloping, but we still have to be careful. Because the development of this virus continues to occur. New variants such as omicron appeared. "We must remain careful and vigilant, don't be careless because new variants exist and they can threaten," he said.

Meanwhile, regarding the sea highway program from President Jokowi, he gave criticism and input for the government. "We also participate in this sea toll program. The goal is that people in the regions also buy goods at prices that are not much different from those in Java as a production center," he said.

But in reality, the price of goods remains high. "But in reality we provide convenience to the brokers, after the goods are distributed the price does not go down. This means that they get a cheap price for transportation but when selling it, it is still at an expensive price. Is that fair? Not fair at all in my opinion," he said.

Meanwhile, regarding competition with other transportation modes in the cargo sector, according to the woman who is usually called Meme, she is not too worried. Because each mode has its own market share.

"Each mode of transportation has its own advantages and disadvantages. There are specifications of goods that must be transported quickly and in live conditions, for example. There are also goods that are sent for a long time, it's okay, this can be at a cheaper price, ship cargo the sea is an option. This is what determines the price or shipping costs. Consumers can just choose which one suits their needs," he said.

Carmelita Hartoto hopes that the government's attention to shipping entrepreneurs can rise after a long slump due to the COVID-19 pandemic.