Will PT DSI Eliminate Customs' Role? Purbaya Responds

The establishment of PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI), a new export entity, has sparked controversy over the future of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC). Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed that Customs’ functions will continue as usual despite the government creating DSI to strengthen natural resource commodity export management. ‘Yes, Customs’ role remains the same. What’s the difference? DSI will handle trading and reporting, but Customs will still inspect imports and exports. So Customs’ functions aren’t being eliminated,’ Purbaya stated at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs in Jakarta on Tuesday (26 May 2026). The government instead aims to strengthen the institution. ‘Some say that, but I haven’t received any directives from the President about this, and he hasn’t discussed it. In fact, he said we should strengthen Customs,’ he added. However, Purbaya acknowledged the previous President had signalled a harsh evaluation of Customs’ performance. Improvements will still be made, including leadership changes if deemed unable to perform optimally. ‘The role of Customs with DSI remains the same, but it will be improved as per the President’s speech. If they’re not up to scratch, heads will roll. We’re still waiting for the political decision above,’ Purbaya said. Earlier, National Economic Council (DEN) Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan suggested reforming Customs was possible amid the creation of the natural resource export entity. Luhut said future export monitoring could rely more on digital systems and AI to minimise direct interactions that may lead to irregularities. ‘If it’s unnecessary, why keep Customs? Or Customs’ tasks remain, but all handled by AI,’ Luhut said after the ASEAN Regional Economics Outlook and Fiscal Policy seminar on Monday (25 May 2026). He noted AI would make import-export reporting more transparent and harder to manipulate. Luhut also believed digital approaches could help reduce state revenue leaks. ‘That can’t be faked, essentially reducing face-to-face meetings,’ he added.