Prabowo Subianto, the President of Indonesia, has made a resounding statement to the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, reaffirming the government’s commitment to eliminating smuggling and questionable import practices. He expressed concern over the impact these activities have on local businesses and the general public, calling for an end to rent-seeking behavior in import operations.
Speaking at an Economic Dialogue event in Jakarta, Prabowo urged Customs to streamline procedures and clamp down on illicit smuggling activities. Drawing on his military background, he emphasized the necessity of taking decisive action against individuals involved in such practices, underscoring the need to prioritize the people’s interests.
In addition, Prabowo emphasized the importance of fair and nondiscriminatory practices in raw material imports, rejecting policies that benefit only a select group of large corporations. He underscored the significance of ensuring that import privileges are not monopolized by a few companies, advocating for a level playing field within the import sector.
The President’s firm stance on addressing import-related issues reflects his commitment to establishing a more transparent and equitable trade environment. By advocating for the elimination of rent-seeking behaviors and advocating for fairness in import activities, Prabowo aims to protect the interests of local businesses and the public, with the ultimate goal of fostering a more inclusive and equitable economy.
