Apindo: DSI Can Strengthen Export Governance Without Burdening Businesses

The Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo) has stated that PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI) can strengthen the governance of strategic commodity exports, provided its implementation does not add new burdens for businesses. Apindo’s Deputy Chair for Public Policy, Chandra Wahjudi, said DSI could assist export supervision through data integration and risk analytics. He emphasised that this approach is crucial for curbing practices like under-invoicing without creating additional layers of licensing. Chandra stressed that strengthening export governance must be accompanied by procedural certainty and room for clarification for exporters, ensuring that supervision runs effectively without disrupting the investment climate. He added that all of DSI’s operational mandates must have a clear, accountable legal basis and be executed without adding administrative burdens for business actors. Apindo also viewed positively DSI’s commitment to recruiting professional talent from the market, seeing it as a positive signal that the institution intends to work professionally and be responsive to global geopolitical dynamics. However, Chandra noted that market players are still awaiting the realisation of this recruitment process, with attention focused on the openness of the selection, a credible management profile, and a clear conflict-of-interest policy. He explained that DSI could support the enforcement of trade governance if its supervisory system is connected to the banking sector, port authorities, customs, and other relevant parties. Such cross-sector data integration is expected to close loopholes often exploited by non-compliant exporters, without adding manual processes for those who are already compliant. Chandra also stressed the need for active consultation with exporters and associations so that business input is reflected in policy implementation, balancing state interests with business certainty. Apindo welcomed the policy transition period until 1 January 2027, viewing it as providing adaptation time for businesses. Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said DSI’s role is to strengthen export supervision and governance to prevent under-invoicing, transfer pricing, and the flight of export proceeds. In the initial phase, DSI will regulate three main commodities: coal, palm oil, and ferro alloys, which in 2025 had a combined export value of US$66.13 billion, equivalent to 23.4% of total national exports. The government has assured that DSI’s implementation will prioritise business certainty, maintain the smooth flow of goods, respect ongoing contracts, and consider the interests of trading partners.