To Prevent Illegal Import, Several Ministries will Integrate Their IT System

Deputy Minister of Finance Mardiasmo accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung and Director General of Customs and Excise Heru Pambudi, delivers a press stament, at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Monday (12/10) afternoon

Beside giving full authority to the Directorate General of Customs and Excise of the Ministry of Finance, to enforce the law in solving the problem of illegal import, a limited meeting led by President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, also agreed to strengthen Information Technology (IT) system in monitoring the flow of goods at the port. This effort will involve a number of ministries and institutions.

Deputy Minister of Finance Mardiasmo explained that the President’s Instruction is clear, straight and will be supported by law enforcement officers. Moreover, the Directorate General of Customs and Excise is requested to develop a better infrastructure.

“Administrative smuggling takes place because a number of ports are very busy and even, it can happen very fast. Therefore, we must use the National Single Window (NSW) system, a sophisticated IT system which will be applied nationally,” Mardiasmo said.

Therefore, Mardiasmo added, all ministries/institutions, whether it is Ministry of Industry or Ministry of Trade should coordinate. The IT system will be integrated so it would be well-organized, including some matters related with tax, for example Value Added Tax of import. With this integrated system, this effort may be succesful.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung added that President Joko Widodo has instructed to establish an integrated system between the Directorate General of Customs and Excise as well as Directorate General of Tax of the Ministry of Finance, and the Palace so that the Palace can monitor tax revenues periodically.

“Why do we do that? Because the President wants to directly monitor the real situation anytime he wants. Thus, the President will get the information about tax as well as customs and excise revenues daily,” Cabinet Secretary said.

Meanwhile, Director General of Customs and Excise, Heru Pambudi, said that law enforcement at domestic ports by strengthening the IT system is important because they can not work alone. Therefore it is important to cooperate with other ministries and coordinate with exporting countries.

“Enhancement of IT system must also be supported with quality improvement of human resources, natural resources, and technology resources as well,” Heru stated. (MMB/YM)/Sy.