President Jokowi Calls for Optimum Use of Domestic Industries for COVID-19 Handling
President Jokowi delivers an introduction at a limited meeting on Optimization of Domestic Industry for the Handling of COVID-19 through a video conference, from the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (15/4). (Photo by: Rahmat/PR).
Indonesia must empower its domestic industries to produce medical equipment needed to handle the ongoing spread of COVID-19 pandemic, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said.
“There are 213 countries affected by the disease and all countries worldwide are fighting to obtain medical equipment needed to handle the disease,” the President said in his introduction at a limited meeting on Optimization of Domestic Industry for the Handling of COVID-19, Wednesday (15/4).
Regarding raw materials, drugs, pharmaceutical, phytopharmaca, PPE, face mask and ventilator industries, the President emphasized a number of things, among others:
First, export activities and domestic needs must be properly managed. The Head of State reminded that not all of the products should be exported so regulations are needed.
“Our domestic industries are now capable of producing PPE and face masks in a large number. That should be regulated,” the President said.
Second, the President called for relaxation in licensing process.
“All ministries should relax the licensing process related to PPE production,” he said, while asserting that the products must meet the standards.
The President also pointed out that licensing process should not hamper the existing production process.
Third, regarding the availability of raw materials.
“I’ve learned that some of raw materials have already been available at home. As for imported raw materials, I’ve ordered Ministry of Finance’s Customs and Excise and Ministry of Trade to relax the licensing process,” he said.
Fourth, fiscal incentives should be directed to micro, small, and medium enterprises industries that produce medical equipment. (TGH/EN)
Translator: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas
