The Indonesian National Importers’ Association (GINSI) has expressed its appreciation for the Ministry of Industry’s (Kemenperin) ongoing commitment on the import substitution industrialization program. This policy aims to reduce dependence on foreign imports by promoting domestic production, benefiting both the economy and trade.
Erwin Taufan, a GINSI Board Member, conveyed this appreciation while also acknowledging the official appointment of Taufiek Bawazier as the Director General of the Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Textile Industry (IKFT) by Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita. The appointment was made during a ceremony at the Ministry of Industry office in Jakarta earlier this week.
“GINSI hopes the cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and the import business sector continues to be strengthened, aligning with the government’s broader economic growth objectives,” Taufan said in a press statement on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
Taufan also emphasized that importation, when managed properly, does not necessarily have negative effects. In fact, it can complement a nation’s economy, especially as countries around the world have different resources and natural wealth that allow them to meet each other’s needs through imports and exports.
GINSI congratulated Taufiek Bawazier on his new role and expressed its willingness to collaborate with the IKFT Directorate General in supporting the ministry’s industrial programs.
Upon his appointment, Taufiek outlined his focus on advancing key aspects of the 5th Astacita of the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka government, specifically related to downstreaming, value-added production, and industrialization. This includes the import substitution program as well as the strengthening of the chemical, pharmaceutical, and textile industries.
“With Nawacita No. 3 in mind, we aim to revitalize industries that are labor-intensive. We plan to conduct a census of the textile sector, stabilize it, and then promote the most competitive segments of Indonesia’s textile industry,” Taufiek said.
Taufiek is determined to revitalize the textile industry, which has been facing challenges after a period of recovery. “First, we will focus on downstreaming, adding value, and industrialization, followed by labor efforts to recover and stabilize the industry. Once we achieve stability, we will focus on fostering growth,” he added.
Taufiek Bawazier, born in Gresik in 1969, has had a distinguished career in the Ministry of Industry. Before his current appointment, he served as Director General of the Metal, Machinery, Transportation Equipment, and Electronics Industry (ILMATE) starting in May 2020.
He also held the position of Head of the Industry Research and Development Agency in January 2020 and has held several other leadership roles in the ministry. Taufiek’s impressive background includes a Doctorate in Political Science from the University of Indonesia, a Master’s in Economics from the same institution, and an undergraduate degree in Engineering from the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology.
His appointment was formalized through Presidential Decree No. 11/TPA Year 2025, which also included the appointment of several other senior officials within the Ministry of Industry.
In addition to Taufiek, Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita appointed other key officials, including:
• Eko S.A. Cahyanto as Secretary General
• Putu Juli Ardika as Director General of Agro Industry
• Setia Diarta as Director General of ILMATE
• Reni Yanita as Director General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries (IKM)
• Tri Supondy as Director General of Regional Resilience and International Industrial Access (KPAII)
• M Rum as Inspector General
• Andi Rizaldi as Head of the Industrial Service Standards and Policies Agency (BSKJI)
• Masrokhan as Head of the Human Resources Development Agency for Industry (BPSDMI)
• Arus Gunawan as Minister’s Expert Staff for Industry Deepening, Dissemination, and Equitability
• Doddy Rahadi as Minister’s Expert Staff for Business Climate and Investment
GINSI remains committed to working with these new leaders to further strengthen Indonesia’s industrial sector and contribute to the country’s economic growth.