Industry Minister to Strengthen SNI, Aims to Shield Domestic Market

The Ministry of Industry is preparing a New National Industrialisation Strategy to strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesian manufacturing amidst global competition. The strategy focuses not only on increasing investment and exports but also on reinforcing international cooperation. The government has stressed that international cooperation will not stop at business forums but will be monitored to ensure it yields tangible projects for national industry players. “The government will continue to follow up through the New National Industrialisation Strategy, which positions international cooperation as an important instrument in strengthening the competitiveness of national industry,” said Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita during an Economic Update on Friday. In addition, the government is strengthening the protection of domestic industry through the implementation of the Indonesian National Standard (SNI). Standardisation not only serves to guarantee product quality but also to maintain the competitiveness of national industry against the heavy flow of imported goods. “SNI is fundamentally a state instrument to ensure all products meet safety, health, and security aspects. That is the main essence of standardisation,” he said. Agus revealed that the government is studying the policies of competitor countries that use standardisation systems for import control. These experiences serve as important input so that Indonesia can protect its national industry. “Many competitor countries use standardisation policies not only to guarantee product quality but also to regulate the entry of imported goods into their countries. That is a lesson we must understand in strengthening national industry,” he stated. Agus affirmed that the government will act as a facilitator for the business world by resolving various obstacles. He hopes that collaboration between the government and business players can accelerate the transformation of national industry so that Indonesia becomes more competitive in the global market. “The government’s task is to facilitate business players so they can transform into advanced, high-tech industries that produce green products and have increasingly strong competitiveness in the international market,” Agus said.