Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has ordered his staff to open the import tap as widely as possible amid the 32 percent import tariff from the United States (US).
This was conveyed by the number one person in Indonesia during an Economic Workshop at Menara Mandiri, Jakarta, yesterday.
“I ask the Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Trade, there is no need for (import) quotas. There are no quotas,” Prabowo said.
Prabowo asked for the abolition of import quota rules, especially for products that concern the lives of many people. He believes that the import quota policy makes it difficult for businesses and hampers the distribution of essential goods to the public.
“Who wants to import meat, go ahead! Anyone can import. What do you want to import? Go ahead! Just open (the import tap). Our people are also smart,” Prabowo continued.
Prabowo highlighted certain companies that are allowed to import. Prabowo said all businesses should have the same opportunity to import important commodities, without discrimination.
“It’s okay (special quotas for some companies). Never mind, we have been Indonesians for a long time. Don’t use those practices anymore,” he said.
According to Prabowo, this policy (import quota) is part of the government’s strategic efforts to streamline the bureaucracy and provide convenience for businesses. According to him, Trump’s tariffs will actually make Indonesia more efficient.
“Donald Trump forces us to be lean, efficient, so that we are not spoiled. So, this is really an opportunity (to import),” he explained. (*)
