Govt limits rattan exports

Govt limits rattan exports

JAKARTA (JP): A new regulation has limited exports of
processed rattan and sawn timber in a bid to protect local
companies.

Only designated types of processed rattan can be exported
under a decree issued by Minister of Trade and Industry Rahardi
Ramelan last week.

The Ministry of Forestry and Plantations will also set a
yearly export quota to ensure exports would not threaten the
environment and natural resources, the decree said.

In another decree, the ministry required all foreign buyers of
Indonesia's sawn timber to open letters of credit (L/Cs) through
state-owned commercial banks, and prices quoted must not be lower
than the export ceiling prices.

Exporters must also notify the Director of Export at the
Industry and Trade Ministry on their monthly export plan, with
attachments relayed to the Director of the Utilization and
Distribution of Forestry Products at the Ministry of Forestry and
Plantation.

Both decrees took effect on Sept. 25. (das)