TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Finance Minister’s director general of customs and excise Heru Prambudi expressed optimism that a policy on customs duty for non-environmental-friendly plastic could be imposed next year.

“If we see from the public enthusiasm and discussions held by inter-ministries team (PAK), we are optimistic [about the policy],” said Heru when met in the Custom Central Office in Jakarta, Tuesday, November 27.

He explained talks regarding many technical issues were still afoot. If the regulation is ratified, the government must help plastic producers to covert its product to be eco-friendly plastic.

“It is noted in the roadmap which we are preparing. We don’t want the issue is solved in one side but creates another problem in other sides,” Heru said.

According to him, the government must thoroughly consider all aspects, either on the environment side or the producing company.

“And the most vital thing is public awareness. It is unfortunate if we apply excise duty on plastic, but the public still recklessly uses it that lead the waste flows to the sea. According to several surveys, Indonesia is the world’s second largest contributor for marine plastic waste,” Heru noted.

The government was currently consulting the excise duty on plastic with the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission XI, and that the Government Regulation (PP) was still discussed.

“The PP has been already discussed in PAK. We are waiting for the government to ratify it, but we in the Customs office are ready to implement the policy,” Heru concluded.

ANTARA