Recently, the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, conveyed a strong message to the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, reaffirming the government’s determination to eliminate smuggling and questionable import practices. He articulated that such illicit activities have imposed unnecessary burdens on local businesses and the general public, calling for an end to rent-seeking behavior within import activities.
At an Economic Dialogue event in Jakarta, Prabowo urged Customs to streamline procedures and crackdown on smuggling activities. Drawing on his military background, he underscored the necessity of taking decisive action against perpetrators, emphasizing the protection of people’s interests. Additionally, Prabowo stressed the importance of fair and non-discriminatory practices in importing raw materials, opposing policies that benefit only a select group of large corporations.
The President’s unwavering stance on addressing import-related issues mirrors his commitment to fostering a transparent and equitable trade environment. His push to eradicate rent-seeking practices and advocate for fairness in import activities aims to safeguard the interests of local businesses and the public, ultimately working towards a more inclusive and just economy.