Jacob Threatens Sony with Boycott Campaign

When a global firm makes decisions based on global needs, local interests can feel the pain. Thousands of Indonesians may lose their jobs if Japanese electronics giant Sony goes ahead with plans to close a factory in Indonesia. Indonesia's Manpower Minister, however, is threatening to organize a boycott of Sony products if the company can't offer "clear reasons" why it plans to leave. - YaleGlobal

Jacob Threatens Sony with Boycott Campaign

Tuesday, December 3, 2002

JAKARTA (JP): Manpower Minister Jacob Nuwa Wea has threatened to campaign for a boycott of Sony Corp. products unless it explains the closure of its factory in the country, AFP reported

"(Minister Jacob) said that if Sony goes ahead and pulls out its operations here without clear reasons, then he will campaign for a boycott of Sony products," said ministry spokesman Dwianto on Tuesday.

Jacob made the threat at a public event on Monday. The spokesman said he would lead any boycott campaign in his individual capacity as a concerned citizen.

Dwianto said the minister wants to meet Sony management sometime next week to discuss the closure plan.

"Sony employs thousands of workers and the closure of its operations here will mean a lot more unemployed," he said.

Sony said last month it would stop making audio equipment at its Indonesian subsidiary, PT Sony Electronics Indonesia, by March as part of its "overall, global restructuring effort".

The closure, it said, will result in the loss of about 1,000 jobs. Sony will keep its local sales unit, PT Sony Indonesia.

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