"Don`t make as much profit as possible at the cost of social interests," he said when inaugurating the head office of publicly-listed pharmaceutical product manufacturer PT Tempo Scan Pacific Tbk in South Jakarta on Wednesday.
The President said he did not object to businesspersons making profit, which according to him is one of ethics in the business world.
Profit will make companies stronger so they will have no reason to lay off their employees. The employees will lead an increasingly prosperous life if they are well paid as a result of the companies` improving profit, he said.
Yudhoyono said the improving profit of the companies must be followed by an effort to promote their workers` living standards.
In doing so, the companies must be able to produce low-cost goods or services, particularly for low-income people, while at the same time try to promote their employees` living standards, he said.
On the occasion, the President also asked national companies that have expanded their businesses abroad to continuously give priority to national interests.
The companies must always pay attention to the nation`s image by marketing products of national character, he said.
The President said he has instructed the concerned ministers to provide incentives to companies that employ workers in large numbers.
After inaugurating the head office of PT Tempo Scan Pacific Tbk, President Yudhoyono will attend the first plenary session of the National Energy Council later in the day.
(T.F008/S012/INE/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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