Recently, the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, conveyed a strong message to the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, underscoring the government’s dedication to eliminating smuggling and dubious import practices. He pointed out that such activities have imposed unwarranted burdens on local businesses and the public, and urged an end to rent-seeking behavior in import activities.
Speaking at an Economic Dialogue event in Jakarta, Prabowo called on Customs to streamline procedures and clamp down on illicit smuggling operations. Drawing on his military background, he stressed the necessity of taking decisive action against those involved in such activities, highlighting the paramount importance of safeguarding the people’s interests.
Additionally, Prabowo advocated for fair and non-discriminatory practices in the importation of raw materials, rejecting policies that unduly benefit a select group of large corporations. He underscored the significance of preventing import privileges from being monopolized by a few companies, emphasizing the need for a level playing field in the import sector.
The president’s resolute stance on addressing import-related issues mirrors his commitment to fostering a more transparent and equitable trade environment. His push to eradicate rent-seeking practices and promote fairness in import activities aims to protect the interests of local businesses and the public, ultimately striving for a more inclusive and just economy.
