Introductory Remarks of the President of the Republic of Iindonesia during Limited Cabinet Meeting on Smuggling, at Presidential Office, Jakarta, 16 March 2016
Unofficial English Translation
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Good afternoon, peace be upon us all,
This afternoon, our meeting will discuss smuggling. I think, all of us must be aware that our country is an archipelagic country. Indonesia has 17,000 islands from Sabang to Merauke that are vulnerable to smuggling, such as agricultural products, industrial goods, meat and fishery products, electronics, illegal fishing, and drug smuggling.
This is a huge problem that must be solved because it disrupts us. Smuggling goods will disrupt domestic market, weaken our competitiveness, particularly the competitiveness of similar domestic products. The worst case, it can shut down our national industry.
We must immediately carry out concrete measures to solve this smuggling problem. In my view, the Head of Maritime Security Board (Bakamla) has a very strategic role in fighting against smuggling. I also order to enhance integrated surveillance at small seaports. Please enhance the work of patrol boats and joint operation, if necessary, with our neighboring countries. The Indonesian National Police and Indonesian National Defence Forces have to increase their alertness in protecting border areas to prevent smuggling through small seaports as well as small ally. The apparatus who back up smuggling must get severe punishment. I do not tolerate any conspiracy, such as document forgery, abuse of facilities as well as import quota. I want a total reform in import permit management. It should build a good IT integrated system.
This is my introductory remarks. I invite the Coordinating Minister or the representative from Customs and Excise office to take the floor. (Humas Setkab) (MMB/YM/Naster)