Luhut Speaks on Customs Directorate Reforms Following DSI Establishment
Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan stated that reforms to the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (Ditjen Bea Cukai) are possible with the establishment of PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI), which will oversee the export of natural resource commodities. However, such reforms depend on the Ministry of Finance.
‘I think, does Customs need reform? Why not? If it’s not needed, why have Customs at all, or if the duties are there but everything is AI (Artificial Intelligence),’ Luhut said after attending a seminar at his office in Jakarta on Monday, 25 May 2026.
The statement refers to plans for a digital platform to tighten the management of natural resource exports through DSI, with AI assisting in analysis to prevent illegal practices.
Luhut said digitalisation would integrate government data from various ministries and agencies to support accurate public policy formulation. He strongly supports AI implementation to eliminate outside-the-system manipulations.
‘When people meet with integrity pacts, none are actually followed, as far as I know – there are always issues,’ he added.
On natural resource exports, Luhut assured no more manipulations or threats from irresponsible law enforcement officials. The digital system would resemble the government’s e-catalogue for procurement of goods and services.
‘You won’t be threatened by anyone. Whether military, police, or anyone else, none can influence this system,’ he stated.
Luhut mentioned communicating with Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, Chief Executive Officer of BPI Danantara (Investment Management Agency), to propose using the Mineral and Coal Information System (SIMBARA) across ministries. Other natural resource commodities can also be monitored via the system, requiring only additional data entries.
Previously, President Prabowo Subianto announced the establishment of a state-owned enterprise (BUMN) to manage exports of coal, palm oil, and ferroalloy during a speech at the DPR RI building on 20 May 2026. PT DSI has been designated as the sole entity to handle these exports.