DPR Yoyok Is Furious: The Prosecution Of Mass Organizations Is Not Only To Investors, But Also MSMEs

Illustration of extortion (pixbay)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission VII DPR RI, Yoyok Riyo Sudibyo, responded to the alleged case of coercion of project rations against foreign investors involving the Cilegon Chamber of Commerce and Industry as suspects. According to him, this case is a joint reflection of the importance of building a healthy investment climate and siding with local MSME actors.

"Never mind foreign investors, which means large companies, extortion or burglary practices are also faced by small business actors. MSMEs and people's industries also often face people who ask for thugs' accusations if their businesses don't want to be disturbed," said Yoyok Riyo Sudibyo, Friday, May 23.

Regarding the case in Cilegon, Yoyok assessed that the presence of foreign investors in the regions must provide benefits for the local community, not even use certain groups to get benefits.

"We certainly welcome the presence of foreign investors who want to contribute to building the regional economy. But practices that are not in accordance with the principles of good governance, especially those that are coercive or create unilateral pressure, we must avoid together," he said.

As is known, the alleged extortion carried out by the Cilegon City Chamber of Commerce and Industry went viral on social media. In the video footage that was spread, a number of Kadin Cilegon and mass organizations met Chinese representatives Chengda Engineering Co, contractors from the Chlor Alkali-Ethylene Dichloride (CA-EDC) factory construction project.

During the meeting, the person who was later identified as the head of the Cilegon Chamber of Commerce and Industry then asked the company to share project rations of up to IDR 5 trillion. The Banten Police have named three suspects in connection with the alleged extortion with a project allotment of IDR 5 trillion against PT China Chengda Engineering.

They are the Chairman of the Cilegon City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Muh Salim, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ismatullah (39) and Chairman of HNSI Jahuri (50). The suspects were charged with Article 368 of the Criminal Code and Article 160 of the Criminal Code.

In order to prevent a repeat of practices that damage the business climate, Yoyok assessed that there are several things that need to be improved. According to him, a real partnership between investors and local MSMEs must be realized.

"Setiap investasi besar harus membawa rencana kemitraan terbuka, berdasarkan data potensi UMKM, dan disusun secara transparan," tutur Yoyok.

The member of the Commission in charge of MSME and industrial affairs also added that it is necessary to commit local organizations that do not abuse their authority for personal interests. In addition, Yoyok also requested that investment projects be free from non-procedural pressure.

"Investments must be free from informal interventions that are contrary to the principles of governance. Legal certainty and integrity must be put forward," said the former Batang Regent.

'Ormas actions or other organizations that 'repulse' with various reasons are very damaging to the investment climate. This includes disturbing small industries, many MSMEs, SMEs or small business actors who are often visited by mass organizations and being asked for rations from thugs. Practices like this must be eradicated, "added Yoyok.

Yoyok also revealed how the practice of tame thugs' often makes the business of small business actors quiet or bankrupt. "Nothing has happened, unscrupulous mass organizations have come to MSME outlets that have just opened and submitted various proposals. Extortion like this is very disturbing, and if they are not given or not facilitated, they end up disrupting MSME businesses," he said.

For this reason, Yoyok asked for the firmness of the Government, both central and regional, as well as law enforcement to bring order to acts of thuggery under the guise of mass organizations. According to him, protection from the phenomenon of thugs is not only needed by large companies, but also for MSMEs and small business actors.

"You don't have to go far, MSME sellers at tourist attractions or handicraft industry players are also often asked for thugs' rations. This has become a common secret, but it continues to be left until illegal practices are considered to be reasonable. Where is the commitment to economic sovereignty in this country? " said Yoyok.

"We hope that the State can provide protection for small business actors. MSMEs are the driving force of the economy both in the region and nationally. Create a healthy trying climate without allowing or teaching the extortion of mass organizations," he added.

Regarding the extortion case carried out by Kadin, Yoyok reminded that the direction of regional economic development through foreign investment must touch the lowest level of the economy, namely small and medium enterprises. According to him, the involvement of MSMEs in the investment value chain is very important.

"We hope that foreign investment will not only open factories and employment, but also synergize with local MSMEs, starting from the provision of raw materials, supporting services, to supply chains," said Yoyok.

Yoyok added that MSME actors should not only be spectators in development, let alone become victims of the interests of a handful of parties.

"We want to ensure that large investments entering the regions really become levers for the community's economy, not precisely keeping them away from opportunities only for the benefit of a handful of people. An honest, transparent, and inclusive collaboration is the best way," concluded the legislator from the Central Java X electoral district.