Business Owners Speak Out on Sweetened Drink Excise and 'Nutri-Level' Policy

The Chairman of the Association of Soft Drink Industries (ASRIM), Triyono Prijosoesilo, has welcomed the postponement of the excise tax on packaged sweetened beverages (MBDK), while continuing to push for discussions with the government regarding the continuation of the regulation, citing the need for business certainty. Amid pressure on purchasing power and a surge in imported raw material costs, business owners are hoping the government will restructure policies, including the excise tax, which is considered crucial for the investment climate in Indonesia. On the other hand, ASRIM also supports the ‘Nutri-Level’ policy and is ready to back the development of beverage products that meet the demand for less sugar and less fat. However, this also requires policy framework support from the government.