Yesterday: Hajj Pilgrim Cigarette Rules to Plastic Import Alternatives
Jakarta (ANTARA) - News on the Directorate General of Customs and Excise of the Ministry of Finance’s regulations regarding cigarettes carried by hajj pilgrims up to the Ministry of Trade preparing alternative supplier countries for plastic raw materials filled the economic news channels on Thursday (16/4).
Here is a summary of Thursday’s (16/4) news, which remains interesting to read again on Friday morning.
- DJBC explains rules on cigarettes carried by hajj pilgrims
The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) of the Ministry of Finance stated that there are provisions regarding cigarettes carried by Indonesian hajj pilgrims.
“So, when hajj pilgrims return from Saudi Arabia to Indonesia carrying more than 200 cigarettes, the excess will be destroyed,” said the Head of Import Section III of DJBC Ministry of Finance, Chinde Marjuang Praja, in a media briefing webinar on Customs Services and Facilities for Hajj Pilgrims in Jakarta on Thursday.
- Trade Minister: MinyaKita price slightly up, but no stock shortages
Trade Minister Budi Santoso emphasised that although there is a slight price increase for MinyaKita due to rising plastic prices, there are no stock shortages in the market.
“Yes, there is (a price) slight increase. Because, of course, it’s an impact from them (MinyaKita) whose packaging is all plastic. But there is no such thing as shortages,” said Trade Minister Budi during the Indo Intertex 2026 event at the Jakarta International Expo, Jakarta, on Thursday.
- Pertamina seeks release of two ships still detained in the Persian Gulf
Corporate Secretary of PT Pertamina (Persero) Arya Dwi Paramita stated that the company is still working to secure the release of two tankers detained in the Persian Gulf due to the war between the United States (US) and Iran, which has caused the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Still in the same position. We continue to coordinate and consult with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” said Arya when met on the sidelines of the Sustainability Champions event held in Jakarta on Thursday.
- Hajj pilgrims must report to Customs if carrying Rp100 million in cash
The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) of the Ministry of Finance stated that Indonesian hajj pilgrims carrying cash worth at least Rp100 million must report it to Customs.
“If carrying Rp100 million or more in cash, it must indeed be reported to Customs,” said the Head of Import Section III of DJBC Ministry of Finance, Chinde Marjuang Praja, in a media briefing on Customs Services and Facilities for Hajj Pilgrims virtually in Jakarta on Thursday.
- Trade Minister: Plastic import alternatives prepared to maintain price stability
Trade Minister Budi Santoso said the government is seeking various alternative supplier countries for plastic raw materials to maintain supply and price stability domestically amid global supply chain pressures.
Budi explained that the main raw material for plastic pellets, naphtha, has mostly been supplied from the Middle East region. However, global conditions have made shipping longer and competition between countries to obtain the material increasingly tight.
“So indeed, for plastic, the raw material for plastic pellets has so far been naphtha from the Middle East. Now we already have alternatives from Africa, India, and America,” said Budi at the ANTARA Heritage Center, Jakarta, on Thursday.