Export Governance Strengthened, Business Sector Optimistic About National Economic Competitiveness

The Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo) has given a positive outlook on the presence of PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI) in strengthening the governance of strategic commodity exports. The body is considered to demonstrate a management commitment to promoting professionalism in technical capacity to face global commodity volatility. DSI prioritises the recruitment of the best talents from the market. This effort is viewed as a very strong signal of professionalism. “DSI’s commitment to recruiting the best professionals available in the market is a positive signal. This also shows DSI wants to work professionally and be responsive to global geopolitical dynamics. This will certainly help ease investor concerns regarding the new institution’s technical capacity,” explained Apindo’s Deputy Chairman for Public Policy, Chandra Wahjudi, on Tuesday (23/6/2026). He stated that market players are currently awaiting the realisation of the promised recruitment process. The transparency anticipated by the business world includes an open recruitment process, credible management profiles, and a clear conflict of interest policy. Chandra said this new institution has strong legitimacy in the eyes of business actors. All its operational mandates must be based on clear, accountable laws and without adding new burdens for the business world. “DSI can help suppress under-invoicing through data integration and risk analytics, without adding layers of licensing,” he stated. Furthermore, Chandra believes DSI has the technical capacity to help curb under-invoicing practices, which is a primary government concern as it harms state revenue. “What is important is procedural certainty and room for clarification for exporters so that the investment climate is maintained,” he continued. He explained that DSI can also enforce trade governance with an effective supervisory system if directly connected to the banking sector, port authorities, customs, and other related parties. This cross-sectoral data consolidation is expected to close loopholes often exploited by rogue exporters. The effort is also expected not to add administrative burdens and manual processes that encumber compliant business actors. Regarding the transitional policy that will last until 1 January 2027, the business sector views this phased approach as a positive step. The current obligation focusing on export reporting without altering existing trade routes provides adequate adaptation time for market players. According to Chandra, this approach is considered effective in reducing the risk of regulatory shocks. Consistent government communication support can also maintain market sentiment stability. He said the transitional policy and active consultation with exporters and associations must continue to be supported, especially if business input is reflected in implementation through continuous dialogue forums. Apindo, he said, holds high hopes that DSI can position itself as a facilitator for increasing national export competitiveness. The main focus is on data integration, bureaucratic process simplification, and achieving quick targets whose benefits are felt by business actors. Previously, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto emphasised DSI’s role in strengthening export supervision and governance. “The aim is to prevent under-invoicing, transfer pricing, and foreign exchange export proceeds leakage,” he added. The government hopes the formation of DSI will strengthen the trade governance of strategic commodities and support more accountable management of export proceeds. In the initial phase, three main commodities will be regulated by DSI: coal, palm oil, and ferroalloys. In 2025, these three commodities had an export value reaching US$66.13 billion, equivalent to 23.4% of total national exports. This sector has also kept Indonesia’s trade balance in surplus for 71 consecutive months.