The policy is stipulated in the Minister of Finance Regulation (PMK) No. 34 of 2025, which amends PMK No. 203/PMK.04/2017 on Export and Import Provisions for Goods Carried by Passengers and Conveyance Crew.
During a media briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday, Director of Communication and User Guidance at the DGCE Nirwala Dwi Heryanto said that the regulation is a form of appreciation for Hajj pilgrims.
Under PMK 34/2025, the government will grant full import duty exemption on goods brought by regular Hajj pilgrims.
Meanwhile, special Hajj pilgrims will be exempt from paying import duties on goods with a free on board (FOB) value of up to US$2,500, per person per arrival.
If the FOB value exceeds this limit, import duties and import-related taxes will apply. These include a 10 percent import duty, VAT and/or luxury tax as per existing regulations, and income tax, which is exempted.
The provision also covers goods such as gold jewelry and Zamzam water brought by pilgrims.
At the briefing, acting head of the import sub-directorate of the Directorate of Customs Technical Affairs, DJBC, Chairul, informed that as long as the goods fall within the category of personal belongings, they will be subject to regulations under the PMK.
This category comprises goods meant for personal use, including leftover personal supplies.
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"However, in the case of Zamzam water, it may be more appropriate to regulate it based on agreements between the relevant ministries/agencies and transport operators," the official added.
If the goods are not classified as personal belongings, then import duty and taxes will apply. These include a 10 percent import duty, VAT/luxury tax as per prevailing regulations, and a 5 percent income tax, based on the import value.
The DGCE assured that the import duty exemption policy would not significantly affect state revenue, since its contribution is minor. It amounted to Rp83 billion in 2023–2024, or around 0.0003 percent of the total revenue.
"The objective of this regulation is to provide convenience that is adaptive, responsive, and facilitative for travelers. The hope is that returning passengers from abroad will be able to benefit from this ease of regulation, as long as they comply with the applicable provisions," Chairul said.
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Translator: Imamatul Silfia, Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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