Call To Boycott AQUA, Danone Indonesia: We Are Committed To Turning Millions Of Traders And 15,000 Employees

Illustration. (Photo: Danone Indonesia)

JAKARTA - Danone Indonesia, as the producer of mineral water with the AQUA brand, gave its response regarding the boycott action of French products that is currently happening in several countries in the world, including Indonesia. The company emphasized that they have no connection with the political views of a country, including France.

"Our company has no bearing on the political views of a country, including France and matters outside our business. Therefore, 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. and boycotting French products because it is outside the context of trade, "said Arif Mujahidin, Corporate Communications Director, Danone Indonesia, in a written statement received by VOI, Thursday, November 5.

He further explained that Danone Indonesian products, such as SGM and AQUA, were 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.

"We will continue to maximize our efforts to meet the hydration needs of Indonesian families. Therefore we will continue our commitment to serve the needs of healthy nutrition and hydration through the millions of traders who sell our products in Indonesia and are prepared by nearly 15,000 of our employees throughout Indonesia. , "he explained.

Meanwhile, 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.

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.