Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Indonesian Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) has seized 192,193 steel angle bars, weighing a total of 1,100 tons and valued at approximately Rp 11 billion (USD $710,000), from a steel manufacturer in Bekasi, West Java. The confiscation was made after the products were found to be non-compliant with Indonesia’s National Standard (SNI).
Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan, stated that the manufacturer had been under surveillance since September 12, 2024. The steel were seized due to their failure to meet SNI standards and lacking the necessary Product Registration Number (NPB).
“We have secured 1,100 tons of steel valued at IDR 11 billion. The products were seized because they did not have the required SNI certification and NPB, which could endanger users, particularly in construction,” Zulkifli said in a statement on Thursday, September 26.
The operation followed a compliance audit by the Ministry’s Directorate of Circulating Goods and Services Supervision, under the Directorate General of Consumer Protection and Trade Order (PKTN). Zulkifli added that the non-compliant steel would be destroyed, and the company responsible would face administrative penalties.
“As a result, we have taken administrative actions, and the products will be destroyed. The government must be firm in protecting consumers,” Zulkifli said.
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Rusmin Amin, Director General of Consumer Protection and Trade Order at the Ministry of Trade, revealed that the business was suspected of violating several regulations, including Trade Minister Regulation No. 69 of 2018 on the Supervision of Circulating Goods and Services. The company also likely breached Regulation No. 21 of 2023, which amended Regulation No. 26 of 2021 regarding the Standards of Business Activities and Products for Risk-Based Licensing in the Trade Sector.
“Under these regulations, every business operator must comply with legal requirements before distributing goods, ensuring that consumers are protected from potential safety risks,” Rusmin Amin explained.
He further emphasized that consumer protection in the trade of goods and services must be a priority for businesses. Companies are required to meet all regulatory obligations and ensure that their products comply with the mandated technical standards.
“Any violations will result in penalties in accordance with the law. The Ministry of Trade is committed to protecting Indonesian consumers and fostering a healthy business environment in the country,” Rusmin added.
(Raidi/Agung)
