Airlangga confirms DHE from exporters held in Indonesia for one year tax-exempt

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The government will implement new regulations on natural resources foreign exchange earnings (DHE) effective 1 June 2026, outlined in Government regulation ( PP) No. 21 of 2026. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated the government will provide incentives to exporters who place DHE into the national financial system, with interest income from DHE invested in domestic instruments exempt from income tax ( PPh). ‘From the government’s perspective, PPh is not imposed, so interest income from dollars is exempt from PPh,’ Airlangga said following the National Conference on Regional Economic Development on Tuesday (26 May 2026). He emphasised that under the new scheme, the oil and gas ( migas) sector will retain the old rules, requiring 30% DHE retention for three months. Meanwhile, crude palm oil ( CPO), coal, and other mining sectors must retain 50% of DHE in state-owned banks ( Himbara) for 12 months. ’ For CPO, coal, and other mining sectors, a 12-month retention in Himbara banks will be enforced, with 50% converted to rupiah,’ Airlangga stressed. Exporters can still use DHE for import and other transactions, with Bank Indonesia and banks will coordinate to prepare loan mechanisms if rupiah needs exceed 50%. Countries exempted under free trade agreements with Indonesia may not place DHE in Himbara, with Bank Indonesia issuing permits for external placement. ’ Banking institutions will be permitted, and Bank Indonesia will issue the relevant permits,’ Airlangga added.