Luhut Suggests Customs Role Could Be Replaced by New Export SOE

National Economic Council (DEN) Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has commented on the role of Customs following the establishment of export state-owned enterprise PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI). He suggested the new entity could replace Customs’ functions.

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

When questioned, Luhut stated: ‘We’ll see what Minister Sua [Suahasil Nazara] has in mind. If it’s not needed, why use Customs?’

Luhut could not confirm Customs’ future role in DSI’s export processes for commodities such as coal, palm oil, and ferroalloy. However, he suggested Customs could operate an AI-based system.

‘Or Customs’ duties remain, but entirely AI-driven. Everything based on AI,’ he said.

Luhut also discussed the need for Customs reform in light of the export SOE.

‘I think about what Customs should do; reform is necessary, why not? If it’s with this new entity. But I again trust the system. A digitalised, AI-based system. I am very much in favour of that,’ he said.

He added that an AI-driven import-export system would reduce human interaction, thereby curbing corruption and malpractice, despite existing integrity pacts.

‘Integrity pacts don’t work. I know of none that are effective. There are always issues. With the ecosystem we’re building, we can reduce this and increase state revenue,’ Luhut concluded.