Ministry Evaluates on Relocating Import Ports to Eastern Indonesia

Jakarta, VIVA – The Trade Ministry is still evaluating a proposal to relocate import entry ports to eastern Indonesia, a move aimed at addressing the influx of key commodities and boosting domestic industry competitiveness.

Moga Simatupang, Director General of Domestic Trade, stated that the decision requires thorough analysis and a regulatory impact assessment (RIA) before any final decision is made.

"It’s still under review. We need to conduct the RIA to determine if it’s necessary and what the outcome will be," Moga said on Wednesday.

Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan suggested shifting import entry points from Java to eastern regions to raise logistics costs and potentially reduce the flow of imported goods.

The proposal, which targets seven commodities including textiles, ceramics, footwear, ready-made garments, cosmetics, electronics, and other apparel, has been discussed with Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, who supports the plan for its potential to strengthen local industry.

Potential new ports include Sorong in West Papua, Bitung in North Sulawesi, and Kupang in East Nusa Tenggara.