Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s plan to impose import duties of up to 200 percent on textile products is not targeting specific countries such as China, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said Friday.
“All measures are taken in accordance with our national interest,” he stressed.
The decision to protect the domestic industry, in line with existing regulatory provisions and applicable international trade standards, was made at a cabinet meeting chaired by President Joko Widodo on June 25.
Luhut explained that one of the measures taken so far is the extension of safeguard customs duties already imposed on several textile products. These duties apply to all imported products, regardless of their origin.
He added that the policy needs to be studied in depth so that it can be adapted to the conditions and needs of the domestic industry.
“I have discussed this issue with the Minister of Commerce,” Luhut said. “While prioritizing national interests, we remain committed to partnerships with friendly countries.”
Luhut stressed that China remains a crucial and comprehensive strategic partner for Indonesia in trade and investment.
Indonesia is committed to maintaining this relationship through continued communication and dialogue regarding policy changes, he added.
“We want to ensure that Indonesia’s good relations with partner countries continue to be based on principles of mutual trust, respect and complementarity,” Luhut said.
On June 28, Commerce Minister Zulkifli Hasan proposed imposing import duties of up to 200 percent on goods, specifically mentioning China.
“The US can impose a 200% tariff on imported ceramics or clothing; we can also do it to ensure that our SMEs and industries survive and thrive,” he noted.
Hasan added that the new trade regulations are a response to previous, less satisfactory regulations on trade and protection of local industry.
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