Indonesian National Importers’ Association (GINSI) said on Wednesday it supports government efforts to safeguard domestic industry, urging stricter oversight of imports as global competition intensifies.
The group said the rapid growth of e-commerce has reshaped the market, allowing consumers to purchase goods directly from overseas manufacturers at lower prices, putting pressure on local producers.
GINSI expressed support for the Directorate General of Metal, Machinery, Transportation Equipment and Electronics (ILMATE) under Indonesia’s Industry Ministry, particularly in regulating imports to protect the sustainability of domestic industries.
“We support the ILMATE Directorate General in maintaining the dignity of domestic industry,” said Erwin Taufan, GINSI Deputy Chairman, adding that all stakeholders should also help ensure the availability of raw materials for local manufacturers.
Taufan said global uncertainties, including escalating conflict in the Middle East, have contributed to rising prices of key raw materials such as plastics, petroleum derivatives, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
“Now is the time to strengthen the sustainability of national industry by ensuring the availability of raw materials,” he said.
Data from the Statistics Indonesia showed Indonesia’s imports totaled $42.09 billion in January–February 2026, up 14.44% from the same period a year earlier.
The increase was driven mainly by the non-oil and gas sector, with imports of capital goods rising 34.44%. Imports of consumer goods increased 15.60%, while raw and auxiliary materials rose 9.27%.