The Indonesian government has redirected the entry points for seven key imported commodities to the eastern regions of the country. Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita announced that this move aims to enhance the competitiveness of the domestic industry. The seven commodities affected by this policy include textiles, ceramics, footwear, ready-made garments, cosmetics, electronics, and other clothing items. The designated entry ports for these imports are Sorong in West Papua, Bitung in North Sulawesi, and Kupang in East Nusa Tenggara. Minister Agus clarified that this policy is not about restricting imports but rather about regulating the entry points to strengthen local industries. He expressed confidence that Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan supports this initiative and will present it to President Joko Widodo in an upcoming limited meeting.
Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan had previously proposed moving the import entry points outside of Java. The objective is to curb the flood of imported goods in Indonesia, particularly on the island of Java. By shifting the entry points to the eastern ports, the higher logistics costs will likely increase the prices of these imported goods for consumers. This move is part of the government’s broader effort to manage imported commodities and protect domestic industries. This strategic shift underscores the government's commitment to bolstering local industries by creating a more competitive environment and reducing reliance on imported goods, particularly in Java, where overcapacity issues have been prevalent.
