Sqlldr versus inserts

We currently load large amounts of data into a table using sqlldr which is run from a unix script initiated from a java stored procedure. The application designers want to eliminate the script and load the data directly using java and jdbc, which I presume will mean using insert statements.  

Sound like a bad idea to me from a performance point of view, but am I correct? If not using sqllldr what oprions are there to read a flat file and inseet the data. Will external files give the same performance as sqlldr?        

John  

--
http://www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l