Purbaya confirms DSI formation won't alter Customs role

Jakarta - Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed that the establishment of PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI) as an export entity will not alter the role of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC). He stressed there are no plans to transfer export surveillance functions to PT DSI. ‘It remains the same as before. What’s the difference? Reporting and other matters will be handled by DSI, but Customs will still inspect imports and exports. So Customs’ functions are not being removed,’ Purbaya said during a meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs office in Jakarta on Tuesday. Purbaya stated the government is working to strengthen Customs’ role. However, President Prabowo has indicated an evaluation of Customs’ performance, so improvements will continue, including potential leadership changes if deemed unable to perform duties effectively. National Economic Council (DEN) Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan confirmed previous proposals on natural resource export management do not shift DJBC’s functions. ‘We affirm that Mr Luhut did not propose any takeover, merger, or alteration of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise’s (DJBC) functions,’ said Luhut’s spokesperson Jodi Mahardi. Luhut, following his attendance at the ASEAN Regional Economic Outlook and Fiscal Policy event in Jakarta on Monday (25 June), proposed that Danantara Indonesia CEO Rosan Roeslani utilise the Mineral and Coal Information System (Simbara) platform for PT Danantara Sumber Daya Indonesia’s (DSI) operations.