Luhut Questions Need for Customs Role as State-Owned Export Firm Established

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – National Economic Council (DEN) Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan commented on the role of Customs following the establishment of state-owned export company PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI), suggesting the new entity could replace Customs’ functions.

The remarks were made during an ASEAN Regional Economic Outlook and Fiscal Policy seminar at the DEN office on Monday, 25 May 2026, with Finance Ministry Deputy Minister Suahasil Nazara present.

“We’ll see what Suahasil has up his sleeve,” Luhut said when questioned by reporters. “If it’s not needed, why use Customs?”

Luhut could not confirm Customs’ future role in the export process of commodities handled by PT DSI, such as coal, palm oil, and ferro alloy. However, he suggested Customs could operate an AI-based system.

“Or Customs’ role could remain, but entirely AI-driven. Everything based on AI,” Luhut said.

During the seminar, Luhut also discussed the need for Customs reform in light of the state-owned export company.

“I think Customs needs reforming, why not? If the new entity takes over, but I again trust the system. A digitalised, AI-based system. I’m very much in favour of that,” he said.

He said an AI-based import-export system would reduce human interaction, thereby cutting corruption and malpractice, despite current integrity pacts in place.

“Integrity pacts don’t work – I know of none that are truly effective. There are always issues. So with the ecosystem we’re building, I believe we can reduce this and increase state revenue,” Luhut added.