"We have targeted to reduce automotive imports by at least by US$700 million," Putu Juli Ardika, the ministry`s Director for Maritime, Transportation and Defense Equipment Industry, stated here on Wednesday.
Ardika remarked that the import reduction target was the result of the government`s policy to temporarily halt the imports of over-3000 cc cars since the last two months, when the rupiah had begun weakening.
The decision to stop the imports of luxury cars was aimed at maintaining the country`s trade balance.
"(The decision to halt the imports of luxury cars) is targeted to maintain our trade balance. The imports of luxury cars were temporarily stopped. They are not primary goods. If you need cars, you can use domestically produced vehicles," he explained.
The Industry Ministry will further review the import license submitted to the ministry. The imports can be continued under some considerations, including the agreement for the manufacturer to increase exports and expand its business, he elaborated.
"We will control the imports of below 3000-cc cars. We will check which cars will be included in the import control measures," Ardika added.
Reporting by Sella Panduarsa Gareta
Editing by Sri Haryati
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Yosep Hariyadi
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