Jusuf Kalla: Unsustainable Economy as Tobacco Tycoons Remain Wealthy
Translator
Ricky Mohammad Nugraha
Editor
Petir Garda Bhwana
Kamis, 10 Desember 2020 13:17 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former vice president Jusuf Kalla in Wednesday’s virtual seminar with Indef said that Indonesia’s economy is a stark contrast compared to countries such as the United States and South Korea that are advancing in tech and IT, and India with its jubilant energy sector.
“Indonesia is different from other countries, the richest person currently is an owner of a tobacco company,” said Jusuf Kalla on December 9.
The former VP said the large consumption of cigarettes in Indonesia has helped cigarette company owners to financially flourish. He also quipped about Indonesians he thinks are “daring” implying that smokers continue to smoke despite firm health warnings printed on cigarette packs.
“Despite having cigarette packs warning people about cancer and death the industry continues to advance. Nothing else in the world is like this,” said Jusuf Kalla sarcastically.
He encouraged people to view the pandemic as a momentum to reform Indonesia’s economic structure. “Because having cigarette businessmen become the richest people will not make our economy sustainable. We need innovation and productive efforts.”
