Indonesia's Partner Countries Granted Relaxation of DHE SDA Rules

Jakarta, Kompas.com – The government is granting relaxing of the foreign exchange rules on export proceeds from natural resource exploration, management, and processing (DHE SDA) for exporters from partner countries that have bilateral agreements with Indonesia. The policy is seen as a signal that the government is not only pursuing foreign exchange inflows but also safeguarding trade and strategic investments.

The rules are set out in Government Regulation (PP) No. 21 of 2026, which is the third amendment to PP No. 36 of 2023 on the management of foreign exchange earnings from activities of exploitation, management, and processing of natural resources.

Minister of Coordinating Economic affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the new rules aim to strengthen development financing, support the downstreaming of natural resources, increase investment, and uphold macroeconomic and domestic financial market stability.

“The main objectives are, first, to foster development financing, particularly investment and working capital for downstreaming natural resources. Second, to boost investment and export performance for activities related to the exploitation and management of natural resources. Third, to support macro stability and domestic financial markets,” Airlangga told reporters at the Parliament Complex, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

Under the new rules, non-oil and gas exporters must place 100 percent of DHE SDA for at least 12 months. The oil and gas sector must retain a minimum of 30 percent for at least three months.

Airlangga explained that the placement of DHE SDA must be conducted through state-owned banks (Himbara).

“And then repatriation of the retention placement of DHE SDA must be performed through Himbara banks,” he said.

However, the government provides exemptions for exporters from countries with bilateral trade agreements or understandings with Indonesia.

“So for participants that have signed bilateral agreements, they can place 30 percent for 3 months in non-Himbara banks,” Airlangga said.

He emphasised that the policy is a priority for partner countries that have formal cooperation with Indonesia.

“This means Indonesia gives priority to those that have signed cooperation agreements with Indonesia,” Airlangga added.

Additionally, the government is preparing incentives for exporters who comply with the DHE SDA rules in the form of an Income Tax (PPh) rate of up to 0 percent on DHE SDA placement instruments. The incentive is provided according to the duration of the fund placement and is lower than the standard 20 percent rate.

Airlangga said the new rules will take effect on 1 June 2026.