TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Coordinating Ministry for the Economy will revise the National Logistics System (Sislognas) on bonded warehouse ownership status to clarify the function of a warehouse.

Erwin Raza, the ministry’s deputy for logistics system and trade facilities, said Tuesday that bonded warehouse businessmen were previously only managers as opposed to owners, so they did not pay the value-added tax (PPn).

“The revision is to explain who is in charge of bonded warehouse ownership,” said Erwin, adding that the other revisions included expanding bonded warehouse’s function to attract investors.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Logistics and Forwarders Association (ALFI) chairman Yukki Nugrahawan Hanafi said Suslognas revision must provide certainty, keeping in mind that the ASEAN Business Community is just around the corner.

“We agree on the revision, but it’s unfortunate because Sislognas has been implemented and planned since a long time ago. It indeed has to be adjusted to the new government, but the problem is the government is not really going there,” he said.

According to Yukki, amid the mediocre economic conditions, the market will consider those offering the lowest logistics costs, while Indonesia’s logistics costs are still 26 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

“Our currency is also not doing well. We hope Lebaran can help improve the economic condition,” said Yukki.

ANTARA