TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Trade Minister Agus Suparmanto ensured there will be no charge for online trade or e-commerce operators registering their businesses. This policy is implemented to facilitate entrepreneurs to obtain the required permit.

“As ordered by President Jokowi, there is no cost and [the permit process] is expedited. A business license must be simplified, especially businesses related to exports,” said Agus at Borobudur Hotel, Central Jakarta, Monday, December 9.

Earlier, the Government's Regulation (PP) No. 80 of 2019 on Trading via Electronic Systems (PMSE) was issued in a bid to enhance the trust of consumers, markets, up to the industries.

The policy was also aimed at balancing the level of playing fields between online and offline sellers. E-commerce could apply for a business permit to the ministry through the Online Single Submission (OSS) at the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) without visiting the ministry.

Agus explained he would issue a ministerial regulation to manage the reporting mechanism, permit application, and others to ease government policy implementation. However, he could not assure yet as to when it would be released.

The minister called on online traders who were hampered in applying for a permit to file a report to Trade Ministry, especially those who were asked to pay a fee to a certain party. Agus asserted there was a sanction for those demanding a fee for the business license.

DIAS PRASONGKO