Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita stated that relocating the entry points for seven imported commodities to Eastern Indonesia could significantly enhance the competitiveness of domestic industries. Speaking in the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Monday, the Minister emphasized that this move aims to make local industries more competitive. The seven commodities affected by this relocation include textiles, ceramics, footwear, ready-to-wear clothing, cosmetics, electronics, and other apparel. The designated entry points for these imports will be shifted to regions such as Sorong in West Papua, Bitung in North Sulawesi, or Kupang in East Nusa Tenggara.
Agus clarified that this strategy is not about tightening import regulations but rather redirecting the entry points to Eastern ports. He expressed confidence that Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan supports this proposal and plans to present it to President Joko Widodo. The preparatory work for this proposal is nearly complete, and a limited cabinet meeting with the President is expected soon to discuss the matter. Previously, Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan suggested moving the import entry points outside Java to curb the influx of these seven commodities, which have been flooding the Indonesian market. Zulkifli noted that most imports currently enter through ports on Java Island, and by relocating these entry points to outside Java, logistics costs would increase, thereby raising the retail prices of these imported goods. This measure is intended to reduce the overcapacity of these commodities in Java and shift the import burden to other regions in Indonesia.
