Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Trade Minister (Kemendag) Budi Santoso on Tuesday, December 3, led an inspection of illegal ceramic products imports suspected of violating import regulations. The expose took place at the Gundih warehouse complex in Bubutan, Surabaya, showcasing items worth a total of Rp9.8 billion ($630,000).
Minister Budi states, the findings were the result of oversight conducted by the Task Force on Monitoring Specific Goods under Import Trade Regulations. All identified products have since been secured by authorities.
According to CNN Indonesia, the inspected goods included 16,000 cartons of imported ceramic floor tiles valued at Rp5 billion ($320,000) and 610,000 ceramic tableware items, such as cups and mugs, valued at Rp4.8 billion ($310,000).
“For the ceramic floor tiles, discrepancies were found between the import licensing documents and the actual imported items. Meanwhile, the 610,000 ceramic tableware pieces are suspected of lacking required import permits, such as the Surveyor’s Report (LS) and Product Registration Number (NPB),” Budi said in an official statement.
The investigation stemmed from earlier disclosures by the Tanjung Perak Port Police and the Trade Compliance Monitoring Office in Surabaya. The operation aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita agenda, which seeks to safeguard domestic markets and promote regulatory compliance.
Regulatory Breaches
Minister Budi noted that the suspected violations may contravene Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade Regulation No. 36 of 2023 on Import Policies and Controls, as amended by Regulation No. 8 of 2024. Additionally, the imports could be in breach of Regulation No. 21 of 2023, which revised the standards for business activities and products under the Ministry’s risk-based licensing framework.
The minister emphasized that comprehensive oversight by the Directorate General of Consumer Protection and Trade Compliance (PKTN) under the Ministry of Trade remains vital to protecting consumers from substandard and potentially harmful products.
“The influx of non-compliant imported ceramic floor tiles and tableware poses risks to consumer health, safety, and security while threatening domestic industries,” Budi said.
Consumer Protection Commitment
Acting Director General of PKTN, Putu Jayandanu Putra, reiterated the importance of compliance in safeguarding consumers. “Business operators must adhere to all regulations before marketing their products. This is essential to protect consumers from negative health, safety, and security impacts,” Putra stated.
Three-Month Pregnant Student Killed and Burned by Boyfriend in Madura
He also warned that violations would be met with sanctions in accordance with applicable laws. “Consumer protection in the trade of goods and services is a crucial responsibility. Businesses must ensure all obligations are fulfilled and that their products meet the required technical standards,” Putra added.
This expose of illegal imports of ceramic products underscores the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to strict enforcement of the imports regulations. Therefore the operations was aimed at ensuring that both consumers and domestic industries are shielded from the consequences of regulatory non-compliance.
(Raidi/Agung)
