I hope the customs authorities would increase vigilance in the run-up to the New Year to safeguard our economy.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati urged customs authorities to heighten supervision on the onslaught of illegal imported goods, especially in the run-up to the New Year's Eve celebrations, in order to shield the national economy.

"I hope the customs authorities would step up vigilance in the run-up to the New Year to safeguard our economy," she stated while inaugurating echelon officials and tax supervisory committee members in Jakarta on Friday.

The influx of imported goods arising from the US-China trade war will flood the domestic market, she emphasized.

The upward trend of digital economy also opened wide opportunities for imported goods, especially from the electronic commerce or e-commerce market to flood the domestic market, she explained.

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Furthermore, the minister urged customs authorities to intensify the supervision of goods produced by violating the set standards.

Illegal imported products also bore down upon the industrial sector, especially the textile industry, which comes under great pressure, she stated.

To this end, Indrawati encouraged the customs authorities to boost synergy with the Directorate General of Taxation.

"I urge all officials to really stay alert to see whether the imported goods are legitimate, in terms of (the production) process, the tax they must pay and above all, the capability of our industry to compete fairly with imported goods," she explained.

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The minister further pointed to the customs authorities having achieved the targeted performance for 2019.

"The customs authorities have reached the target for 2019. However, import and export duties pose a challenge to our economy. Both imports and exports are weak, while at the same time, we are facing an onslaught of illegal imported goods," she added.

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Translator: Dewa Ketut Sudiarta Wiguna/Suh
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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