Customs office launches new payment system for imports<\/p>\n
Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Starting April 1, 2003, all importers will have to pay their
\ncustoms duties and import taxes via government-appointed banks, a
\nmove that is expected to help curb corruption and expedite
\ncustoms clearance.<\/p>\n
To facilitate the new policy, the directorate general of
\ncustoms and excise signed a cooperation agreement with 45 state-
\nowned and private-owned banks on Wednesday. The banks will have
\nan on-line system with the customs office.<\/p>\n
Under the new system, importers will go to one of the
\nappointed banks to make the payment, and the banks would then
\nconfirm with the customs office. The importers will no longer
\nneed to show the payment receipt to customs officials when they
\nwant to clear their imported goods from the customs office.<\/p>\n
Under the existing system, importers can either bring cash to
\npay their fees directly at the customs office or pay via banks
\nbut would still need to show the payment receipt.<\/p>\n
"Using the online system, we aim to significantly speed up the
\npayment process and curb payment receipts forgery," director
\ngeneral of customs and excise Eddy Abdurrachman told reporters on
\nthe sidelines of the signing ceremony.<\/p>\n
He said that the old system provided opportunities for bad
\nimporters to bribe corrupt officials to understate their import
\nduties and taxes, thus creating huge losses to the state.<\/p>\n
"The online system makes it impossible for customs officials
\nto forge documents and to impose illegal fees because payment
\nsettlement is processed without any interference from the
\nofficials," he said.<\/p>\n
Eddy said that the online system was part of the program to
\nreform the customs office to increase its performance as a trade
\nfacilitator, revenue collector and community protector.<\/p>\n
The customs office had long been regarded as one of the most
\ncorrupt institutions in the country.<\/p>\n
But Minister of Finance Boediono, who attended the ceremony,
\nsaid that to reform the customs office, a new system would not be
\nenough because it would all depend on the commitment of the men
\nbehind the system.<\/p>\n
"It takes two to tango. Along with the customs effort to
\nreform itself, I ask everyone not to cheat with the system. We
\nwill need your support and commitment to bring all of us to a
\nbetter condition," he said in a speech.<\/p>\n
Sofyan Wanandi of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and
\nIndustry (Kadin) said that businessmen would support the new
\npayment system and the customs office's efforts to curb corrupt
\npractices as it would help boost efficiency and lower the cost of
\ndoing business in the country.<\/p>\n
"The (new) system should significantly reduce costs and
\nhopefully it will lead to reducing our high cost economy and
\naccelerate the recovery of our economy," he said.<\/p>\n
Businesses have often complained about the long procedures
\ninvolved in the customs clearance process and the customs office
\nfailure to curb smuggling and undervaluation practices.<\/p>\n
Since early last year, the office has began its reform program
\nin response to the long list of criticisms.<\/p>\n
Since Feb. 1, dozens of companies has been allowed to enjoy
\nfast-track import clearance facilities, or what is locally known
\nas "green lane" privileges.<\/p>\n
Under this facility, importers are able to clear their goods
\nwithout undergoing document examinations and physical checks by
\ncustom officials.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/customs-office-launches-new-payment-system-for-imports-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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