Jakarta – Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that import deregulation policy is a crucial effort to overcome structural barriers in the import process, particularly for industrial raw materials.
“Complex and overlapping regulations have been a barrier to import activities. With this simplification, business actors can conduct their business activities more efficiently,” said Airlangga.
This policy is realized through the revocation of Minister of Trade Regulation (Permendag) Number 36 of 2023 in conjunction with Permendag Number 8 of 2024, and replaced by nine new Permendag regulations compiled based on specific commodity classifications. These nine regulations cover strategic sectors such as textiles, agriculture, chemicals, electronics, consumer goods, and non-B3 waste.
The government is also relaxing import regulations for 10 types of commodities, including forestry products, subsidized fertilizers, plastic raw materials, and certain chemicals. Previously, this commodity was included in the list of prohibited or restricted goods (lartas), which often slowed down the national industrial supply chain.
Amidst the regulatory relaxation, the government continues to ensure optimal monitoring through the CEISA system managed by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. This system allows for strict monitoring of the flow of imported goods, with a maximum processing time of 14 working days.
Airlangga emphasized that despite the regulatory relaxation, the government is maintaining a balance between ensuring the smooth flow of goods and protecting domestic industries. He also ensured that import duty rates remain unchanged, ensuring this policy will not impact state revenues.
This step has received a positive response from business players. Adhi S. Lukman, Head of the Manufacturing Industry Division of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo), stated that import deregulation will shorten the industrial supply chain and revitalize investment.
“Last June, several industrial sectors began to recover. Hopefully, this will continue, so we can be more optimistic in facing the current uncertain situation,” Adhi said.
He also hopes the government will continue this pro-industry policy by deregulating the labor sector. He believes that legal certainty in employment is crucial for creating a more productive and sustainable industrial ecosystem.
From a capital market perspective, Kiwoom Sekuritas Indonesia analyst Miftahul Khaer believes the import deregulation policy will bring a breath of fresh air to issuers in the industrial sector. He believes this regulatory relaxation will open up space for businesses to streamline the supply chain of raw materials and production components, which have been hampered.
“This policy provides positive sentiment for the market. Industrial issuers have the potential to record better performance because cost pressures and logistical obstacles can be reduced,” said Miftahul.
With this deregulation measure, the government affirms its commitment to creating a healthier and more competitive business climate. It is hoped that this policy will not only stimulate the national industry but also act as a catalyst for overall economic growth. (*)
