Several Ministries Still Use Imported Products, President Jokowi Says

A limited meeting on the Increase of Local Industrial Content (TKDN), at the Presidential Office, on Tuesday (23/2)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo accompanied by Vice President Jusuf Kalla, led a limited meeting on the continuation of discussion on the Increase of Local Industrial Content (TKDN) at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, on Tuesday (23/2) afternoon.

In his introductory remarks, President Jokowi asserted that he has already conveyed the Government’s intentions to use domestic products, particularly in the implementation to procure goods/services by the Government.

“Why must it continue to be stressed? Because we want to reduce costs and increase the competitiveness of our industries in global market,” the President firmly said.

Furthermore, the President added, domestic products can strengthen the country’s national industry structures and it can create new jobs and increase job opportunities.

However, based on his observations, the President said that there are several ministries which still procure imported products.

Therefore, the President asked Minister of Industry to explain the TKDN thoroughly along with the mechanism to stipulate TKDN certification.

“Not only in the ministries, I have also directly conveyed the same points to the managing directors of state-owned enterprises, but in the implementation, there are many state-owned enterprises which still use imported products,” President Jokowi said.

The limited meeting was attended by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Luhut B. Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani, Minister of Trade Thomas Lembong, Minister of Industry Saleh Husin, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Agriculture Amran Nasution, Presidential Chief of Staffs Teten Masduki, and Minister of Tourism Arief Yahya.  (DND/ES) (RAS/EP/YM/Naster)