The free trade movement has not had much traction in Indonesia. To popularize and strengthen its network, a number of organizations set up the Fair Trade Indonesia Forum (FFTI) in 2002. It is actually the country network of the World Fair Trade Organization in Asia. Today, there are 10 FFTI organizations based in Java, Bali, Lombok and Sulawesi. The organization is headquartered in Bali.
"We want to capture the tourism market, many of whom understand about fair trade. Through them, hopefully our products will be better known," said FFTI secretary-general, 51-year-old I Gusti Agung Alit. He is also the founder of a fair trade company called Mitra Bali.
Tempo reporter Syari Fani interviewed Agung Alit two weeks ago by telephone. Excerpts
How is fair trade being applied in Indonesia?
It's still weak, especially against the strong influence of free trade. All goods are still flowing in without any limitations. One of the objectives of fair trade is to make all consumers be aware of what goes on behind the making of a product. If we know a factory is hiring minors or children, we should boycott that product. But Indonesians are still far from having such awareness.
Who evaluates the practice of fair trade in Indonesia?
A fair trade certificate is issued by the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) and is valid for two years. If anyone is a member of the FFTI, and we know conditions of work at that company are good, we help with their application to the WFTO.
So what would be the challenges of persuading a conventional entrepreneur to practice fair trade?
They are already too comfortable with the current trade system. All they do is delay payments and give a small deposit, no more than 30 percent. That is a pity because I am convinced that if all businesses had some social sense of responsibility, poverty would decline.
What can the government do to spread the concept of fair trade in Indonesia?
Free trade must be changed to fair trade. We are a rich country, we have minerals and oil, but they are all gone, exploited by foreign companies. The government must have the courage to fight the authority of foreign companies. Small companies must also be protected.
The complete interview is available in this week's edition of Tempo English.
