The Dangers of Garlic Importation Using the Quota System
Translator
Editor
4 November 2023 19:42 WIB
What is your answer?
Actually, the Trade Minister's Regulation regarding Import Policies and Regulations is quite clear. The SPI should be automatically issued five days after all the requirements have been fulfilled even without the signature of the director-general.
When did this information (about commissions) surface?
There were uproars over garlic prices last June to July. Pusbarindo asked me to be a speaker at a discussion forum. I said at the event, “Please report to the Ombudsman if you have problems.”
And they came and reported (about the commissions)?
No. Let’s be honest. There have been a lot of rumors about import permits being controlled by a businessman with close ties to the law enforcement authorities. So, I’m glad they didn’t come to make a report. We were not burdened. But, suddenly, at the end of August, I saw a yellow file on my desk. A yellow file signifies that a given complaint has met formal and material requirements and the Ombudsman has already discussed it at a plenary meeting. Then I asked my examiner assistant to follow it up. Does the complainant prefer to remain anonymous? Does the complainant understand the consequences? Because the ministries can easily trace the complainant and blacklist the company. There have been many incidents.
What did the Ombudsman do?
When we handled it in early September, I checked how many SPIs were left. SPIs for around 100,000 tons from 500,000 tons were still available. I immediately asked for an inspection letter because it was urgent. It would take three to four months if I went through a normal procedure.
Read the Full Interview in Tempo English Magazine
