Asaki Claims Government Promises to Issue Safeguard Rules

By : Ahmad Fadli And Aldi Firhand. A | Friday, September 07 2018 - 20:08 IWST

Chairman of Asaki, Elisa Sinaga (Photo: Herlambang / Industry.co.id)
Chairman of Asaki, Elisa Sinaga (Photo: Herlambang / Industry.co.id)

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta - The Indonesian Association of Various Ceramics (ASAKI) has called for the realization of the government's promise that it has not yet implemented a ceramic import safeguard which should be issued in early August. The reason is, the ceramic industry is currently in a bad condition due to imported products.

This was stated by General Chairperson of the Indonesian Ceramic Association (ASAKI), Elisa Sinaga to INDUSTRY.co.id, Friday (7/9/2018) which addressed the government's policy in adjusting the import tax of 1,147 commodities.

 "The PPh adjustment policy, one of which is for ceramics, in my opinion the impact cannot be much because it can only increase by 20 percent. Therefore, safeguards still need to be implemented simultaneously, "he said

Elisa said that currently China's ceramic tile production is experiencing a huge oversupply, so it needs to be dammed to protect domestic industries. Moreover, he added, national ceramic producers have the capacity and ability to meet domestic needs.

At present, domestic utility utility rates have decreased by 60% from installed capacity of 580 million square meters. Pressure also arises from high gas prices.

Elisa emphasized that it does not mean anti-import because it is prohibited by the WTO and to create competition. What is wanted by domestic ceramics actors is fair competition.

In addition, he continued, the domestic industry needs to be maintained because it absorbs employment. Moreover, sufficient raw materials and the ability to adjust the product in accordance with the demands of the community owned by domestic producers.

Elisa also said that domestic producers must be able to compete without safeguard safeguards in the future because they are temporary so that the industry cannot fully protect this policy.

"Usually safeguards for 3 to 5 years, only temporarily in maintaining the sustainability of the industry during fixing competitiveness. We also encourage the ceramic industry to compete without safeguards, this must," he said.

For information, ceramics became one of the products, from 719 items, whose import income tax was increased from 2.5% to 7.5%.

In addition to 719 products, the results of the government review concluded that it was necessary to adjust Article 22 income tax rates to 210 items of commodities with rates that increased from 7.5% to 10% for luxury goods, including CBU cars and large motorbikes, as well as 218 PPh tariff items up from 2 5% to 10%, in the form of consumer goods which can be mostly produced domestically, such as electronic goods, daily necessities (soap, shampoo and cosmetics), as well as cooking utensils / kitchenware.

News Comment

Today's Industry

BCSMF 2023: Progressive Dialogue to Strengthen Democracy in the Asia-Pacific

Kamis, 30 November 2023 - 21:54 WIB

BCSMF 2023: Progressive Dialogue to Strengthen Democracy in the Asia-Pacific

The sixth meeting of the Bali Civil Society and Media Forum (BCSMF) 2023 was held in Bali, Indonesia (28-29/11). The forum, involving representatives from governments, civil society organizations,…

Indonesian Embassy in Lima Hosts Diplomatic Reception Marking 48 Years of Indonesia-Peru Diplomatic Relations

Kamis, 30 November 2023 - 21:47 WIB

Indonesian Embassy in Lima Hosts Diplomatic Reception Marking 48 Years of Indonesia-Peru Diplomatic Relations

In an effort to enhance Indonesia's diplomatic relations with Peru, the Indonesian Embassy in Lima held a diplomatic reception. This event also celebrated the 78th anniversary of Indonesia's…

Enhancing Religious Moderation, Indonesia and Pakistan Hold Interfaith Dialogue

Kamis, 30 November 2023 - 21:43 WIB

Enhancing Religious Moderation, Indonesia and Pakistan Hold Interfaith Dialogue

As part of Indonesia's effort and contribution to creating "harmony among civilizations," Indonesia organized the Indonesia-Pakistan Interfaith Dialogue (30/11) in Jakarta. This event marked…

Indonesian Foreign Minister and OIC Call for Unified Voice to Stop the Crisis in Gaza

Kamis, 30 November 2023 - 21:39 WIB

Indonesian Foreign Minister and OIC Call for Unified Voice to Stop the Crisis in Gaza

The Indonesian Foreign Minister, together with foreign ministers from the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held several meetings in New York (29/11) to discuss…

President Jokowi

Kamis, 30 November 2023 - 21:30 WIB

President Jokowi: Budget Allocation Must be Well-Targeted

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo handed over the Budget Implementation List (DIPA) and Transfer to Regions Allocation List for 2024 Fiscal Year, at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (11/29).