Indonesia destroys illegally imported goods worth Rp5 bln

Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan led the destruction of illegally imported products worth Rp5 billion in Sidoarjo, East Java, on Thursday.

The goods included plastic products worth nearly Rp3 billion (US$185 thousand), marine products worth Rp755 million (US$46.2 thousand), forestry products Rp651 million (US$40 thousand), animal products Rp300 million (US$18.3 thousand), and cosmetics worth Rp280 million (US$17.1 thousand).

Hasan noted that the goods, which also comprised ceramics worth Rp181 million (US$11 thousand), electronics Rp145 million (US$9 thousand), and foods and beverages Rp80 million (US$5 thousand), were seized in the first half of this year.

According to the minister, the government has tightened the supervision of products that are imported without the requisite documents in a bid to protect domestic businesses, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

He emphasized that illegal goods are detrimental to Indonesia as they can also cause the country to lose potential tax revenue, adding that the influx of such products has led to mass lay-offs at several companies.

"Indonesia is open to products coming from anywhere. However, all imported products must conform with applicable regulations here, just like Indonesia's obligation to abide by other countries' rules when exporting its products," he said.

To check the inflow of illegally imported goods, Indonesia has established a task force comprising officials from various institutions, including the National Police (Polri) and Attorney General's Office, he noted.

He said that the task force wields the authority to take firm action against illegal importers. The action may take the form of goods destruction and revocation of business permits.

The minister further stated that his ministry will coordinate with the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises to ensure that illegally imported goods do not impinge on the market share of domestic MSMEs.