US Business Leaders Respond to DHE and OECD Rules
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — Representatives of US businesses belonging to the US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC) have shared their views on the rules governing foreign-exchange proceeds from exports (DHE). The issue was discussed openly because it is believed to have a direct impact on the long-term stability of the investment climate and Indonesia’s ambition to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
US-ABC chief executive Ambassador Brian McFeeters said the council was closely following Indonesia’s efforts to join the organisation. He described the strategic move as a government priority that US businesses strongly support.
“The government has policies that may not be ideal for our companies, and it is trying to resolve them,” McFeeters said.
When faced with regulatory obstacles or restrictions on capital, such as the DHE rules, multinational companies would not simply give up and leave Indonesia. Instead, they would continue working with the government to find alternative solutions or exemptions.
US-ABC Indonesia country head Bhredipta Socarana added that OECD membership would not happen overnight. Indonesia would need to prepare gradually to enter an international organisation that places considerable emphasis on competitiveness and economic mobility.
“The government needs to respond to the issues that exist today, and there will continue to be extensive discussions and adjustments during Indonesia’s accession process,” he said.
On the policy requiring export proceeds from natural resources (SDA) to be retained, Socarana said he understood that the Indonesian Government was determined to regulate the proceeds from its natural resources. US-ABC fully acknowledged that this was Indonesia’s sovereign right.
The rules on natural-resource export proceeds have been revised three times by the government since March 2025. Industry players said they had been specifically invited to discussions whenever potential changes to the rules were being considered.
“This opportunity for discussion is very important to industry players, and the way the Indonesian Government responds and adapts to the needs of industry is a very positive signal,” Socarana said.