Indonesia's Illegal Import Task Force Comprises 11 Ministries, Institutions

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan, known as Zulhas, said the ministry had formed a task force to monitor the import of certain goods entering Indonesia. The minister claimed the task force was formed as illegal imports affected local companies and resulted in mass layoffs. 

"The task force monitors certain goods included in the import trade system,” said Zulhas on Friday, July 19, 2024.

Zulhas said the task force was formed based on Article 38 (1) of Trade Law Number 7 of 2014 which provided that the government regulates citizens' trade activities through export and import policies. Meanwhile, according to Government Regulation Number 29 of 2021, a minister is authorized to supervise national trade operations.

The task force comprised eleven ministries and institutions, Zulhas said. Those are the Ministry of Trade, the Attorney General's Office, the National Police, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, the Maritime Security Agency, the Navy, the State Intelligence Agency, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority, and trade offices across Indonesian provinces and regencies. 

"This task force aims to create critical steps and supervision in handling import problems, to create effective conditions, to monitor certain goods for which the trade system applies," he said.

The illegal import task force is operational from July 18 through December 2024 and is subject to extension if necessary.

Previously, Special Staff to the Minister of Trade for International Trade Agreements, Bara K. Hasibuan, said that the task force is authorized to stop illegally imported goods from entering Indonesia. The task force is also one of the resolution schemes to combat illegal imports in addition to the safeguard and anti-dumping import duties. 

"It’s a complicated problem," said Bara.

Therefore, Bara said his institution also partnered with business organizations and relevant ministries. He said the ministry has contacted the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry or KADIN, the Indonesian Employers' Association or APINDO, the Indonesian Textile Association, and the Association of Indonesian Retailers and Shopping Center Tenants or HIPPINDO.

BAGUS PRIBADI

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