Jakarta – Business groups affiliated with the Indonesian Meat Entrepreneurs and Processors Association (APPDI) have expressed their support for the government’s move to remove import quotas, as an effort to ensure the availability and affordability of people’s basic needs. This policy is considered an important step to improve the national meat trade and reduce prices at the consumer level.
APPDI Executive Director, Teguh Boediana, assessed that the quota system and appointment of limited importers had created price distortions and burdened the public.
“We strongly support the President’s statement to eliminate import quotas and open fair access for all business actors so they can compete healthily,” he said.
Teguh added that the high price of meat makes it difficult for lower-class people to obtain sources of animal protein which are important for intelligence and health.
“We also encourage deregulation of regulations that still hinder business actors in obtaining import permits,” he continued.
APPDI also requested that the needs of business actors that have been outlined in the Needs Plan (RK) and listed in the Ministry of Agriculture’s Recommendation Entry Approval Letter (SPPRK) be provided in full without quota cuts in 2025.
“Business actors really need certainty in business to maintain business continuity and efficiency,” said Teguh.
Meanwhile, President Prabowo Subianto firmly stated that the elimination of import quotas is necessary to create a healthy and efficient business climate. The President also highlighted that this policy is a response to complaints from entrepreneurs who face obstacles in establishing cooperation with global partners, especially from the United States.
“There should no longer be unilateral appointments, whoever is able and wants to import, please do so. This is to simplify and facilitate business. Elimination of quotas will provide certainty and accelerate the business process,” President Prabowo emphasized.
From the ministry’s side, Secretary General of the Ministry of Trade, Isy Karim, stated that the step was needed to balance the needs between domestic production and national consumption. Commodities such as salt, consumer sugar, meat, and fish have been included in the mandatory Commodity Balance scheme.
“Imports must be calculated carefully based on the commodity balance. If there is a shortage of national production, then imports are the solution. It is possible that industrial raw materials outside the food sector can also be exempted from quotas to support industrial productivity,” he explained.