TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto instructed the government officials to remove import quotas, especially for goods that are essential to the public. According to him, import quotas hinder trade flow.
"Whoever is able and willing to import can do so. We won't specify any more, just this is allowed, this is not," said Prabowo during the Economic Seminar held at Menara Mandiri, Jakarta, quoted from a written statement on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
Prabowo stated that the instruction had been conveyed to the Coordinating Minister, Minister of Finance, Governor of Bank Indonesia, and Chairperson of the National Economic Council. According to the former Minister of Defense, removing import quotas is part of the government's efforts to provide convenience for business actors and streamline bureaucracy.
One of the commodities highlighted by Prabowo is meat imports. He also requested that the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Trade open up import opportunities for anyone.
"Whatever you want to import, you can do it. Our people are smart, too, right? Create quotas, then only companies A, B, C, and D will be appointed. Only they are allowed to import, that's not fair," he said.
The Head of State made these remarks after listening to complaints from business owners in partnership with global companies, especially those from the U.S. The related business owners felt that import regulations in Indonesia created uncertainty in the negotiation process, with the potential to delay business.
Hence, to ensure certainty regarding the import mechanism, the President believes that removing import quotas must be implemented as part of the deregulation he wants to carry out to maintain healthy business competition in Indonesia.
Editor's Choice: Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal Program to Use Rp1tn Daily Budget by Late 2025
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
From Prison to Advisory Role: Prabowo Explains Thaksin Shinawatra's Appointment at Danantara
1 jam lalu
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto explained the appointment of Thaksin Shinawatra as an advisor in the management structure of Danantara.
PDIP Politician Says Prabowo-Megawati Talked Face to Face for 1.5 Hours
3 jam lalu
The politician stated that Prabowo's arrival at Megawati's residence happened suddenly, causing many parties to be unaware beforehand.
Accelerated Diplomacy: Prabowo's Weeklong Journey to Five Nations
4 jam lalu
In addition to geopolitics, Prabowo will also discuss industrial cooperation, trade, education, and culture with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Prabowo Commends the Police Force Despite Public Criticism
4 jam lalu
President Prabowo praised the hard work of the police force who work tirelessly under the scorching sun to protect the public and regulate traffic.
Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal Program to Use Rp1tn Daily Budget by Late 2025
11 jam lalu
The Nutrition Agency recruited graduates from various regions to assist in the operational aspects of the Free Nutritious Meal program.
Indonesia Assesses Impact of Trump's Import Tariffs, Sends High-Level Delegation to Washington D.C.
11 jam lalu
The negotiation process on Trump's import tariffs encounters diplomatic challenges due to the vacant position of the Indonesian Ambassador to the U.S.
Prabowo Demands Presidential Nods for All Technical Regulations, Calls for Simpler Licensing
14 jam lalu
Prabowo stated his intention for the government to streamline the licensing process for entrepreneurs.
Indonesia to Increase Imports from U.S. to Address Trade Imbalance, Says Prabowo
14 jam lalu
President Prabowo Subianto has affirmed the plan to augment its imports of goods from the United States.
Prabowo Admits Government's Poor Public Communication: 'It's My Responsibility'
17 jam lalu
Prabowo says he held an economic forum with economists and investors to be more open about government policies.
Prabowo References Nazi Goebbels' Study in Discussion on Propaganda
17 jam lalu
President Prabowo mentioned the Nazi Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels during a speech at an economic seminar in the Bank Mandiri Tower.
