Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan oversaw the unveiling of 2,939 rolls or pieces of illegal carpets, worth IDR 10 billion (approximately USD $650,000), which failed to meet import regulatory standards for import. The event took place at a carpet warehouse located in the Jatake Industrial Area in Jatiuwung, Tangerang, Banten, on Monday, September 23, 2024.
The discovery resulted from inspections by the Task Force for the Oversight of Certain Goods Subject to Import Regulations. The carpets, imported from Turkey, did not possess the required Import Approval (PI), Surveyor Report (LS), and lacked compliance with registration obligations for safety, health, security, and environmental standards (K3L).
The Minister explained that the warehouse also produces its own carpets domestically. While he praised the local industry for reducing import dependency, he expressed disappointment over the non-compliant imported goods.
“This industry is fine; domestic production is good. The more we produce here, the less we need to import,” said Zulkifli. “However, alongside their local production, they imported carpets that did not comply with regulations. These include large rugs and prayer carpets for mosques. The value is around Rp10 billion, with 2,939 pieces in total.”
The illegal carpets then will be destroyed in compliance with regulations. The business responsible for the import will carry out the destruction, supervised by the task force.
“They imported these carpets from Turkey, perhaps claiming raw materials as the reason. But the documentation was inconsistent, what was reported on the documents didn’t match what was in the shipment,” Zulkifli stated.
The task force began its investigation on September 10, 2024, following about ten days of work to secure the evidence. “This investigation has been ongoing since September 10. So, today marks 10 days of work,” he said.
Zulkifli further emphasized that the exposure of these illegal carpets findings is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Trade and the Task Force to enforce proper conduct in the country’s import processes.
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“The task force continues its activities to ensure orderly trade, protect domestic industries, and ensure businesses comply with the rules. This protects the country, consumers, and prevents disruptions to other enterprises,” Zulhas added.
He also reiterated his call for businesses across sectors to adhere to Indonesia’s regulations, warning that the task force, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies including the National Police, Attorney General’s Office, Customs, and the Maritime Security Agency, will continue to take action.
“We thank everyone involved in the task force. We are one team, one vision, one mission. Our goal is not to burden anyone, but to protect our economy so it can grow and thrive. We want consumers to have access to safe, reliable products with clear origins, while businesses can operate profitably and expand,” he concluded.
(Raidi/Agung)
