Indonesian Logistics and Forwarders’ Association (ALFI) supports any efforts of the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) in pursuing a trade surplus amid the current Covid-19 pandemic. ALFI also continues to encourage government programs in pursuing economic growth and investment through priority sectors that have added value.
ALFI Chairman Yukki Nugrahawan Hanafi noted that the level of consumption and investment are two key aspects in supporting the economic growth of a country. Hence, the economic transformation from primary sector industries to value-added industries (down streaming) needs to be carried out continuously, said Yukki.
“Transformation is needed to increase the added value of a product which will have an impact on national economic growth,” Yukki said in a press statement this morning (Wednesday, August 18).
He said there are several crucial steps that can be taken at this time to boost national economic growth as well as encourage investment, namely by spurring labour-intensive industries that are export-oriented, creating energy, especially new and renewable energy, increasing infrastructure development and the mining industry that creates added value.
“In addition, efforts to equalize the national economy, especially in Eastern Indonesia, are also important, because every economic movement in an area will provide opportunities for national logistics players,” he said.
Yukki appreciates the government optimism of trade surplus amid the pandemic by spurring exports and curbing the pace of imports. But, he calls commitment of all parties through the integration of a qualified digitalization service system so that there are no more obstacles to the flow of national imports and exports.
The disruption of the Customs-Excise Information System and Automation (CEISA) of the Ministry of Finance some time ago, Yukki reminded, should not be repeated.
“ALFI supports the efforts of the Ministry of Trade, but it is hoped that the CEISA incident will not be disrupted again. Because this condition has also raised several commodity prices,” said Yukki.
Earlier, the Minister of Trade (Mendag) Muhammad Lutfi expressed optimism that Indonesia’s export performance would be more promising. Exports of leading commodities will also further contribute to the trade balance surplus in the coming period.
Lutfi said that the Government was improving the industrial structure to support the export potential of industrial products and high-tech industries such as iron, steel, and automotive.
The government will also encourage the creation of 500 thousand new exporters to boost Indonesia’s export performance.
“As a business actor in the logistics sector, ALFI strongly supports the various strategies and efforts of the Ministry of Trade in pursuing a trade surplus in the midst of the current pandemic,” said Yukki.