Jakarta - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia), in collaboration with the Indonesian Bonded Logistics Center Association (PPLBI) and the Association of Bonded Zone Entrepreneurs (APKB), held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled “Policy and Industry Collaboration to Strengthen the Domestic Industry” at the Kadin Tower, South Jakarta, on Thursday (August 14, 2025).

The event was attended by Kadin Indonesia’s Vice Chairman for Association, Organization, and Extraordinary Members (ALB) Development, Benny Soetrisno; Vice Chairman for Advocacy and ALB Industry, Achmad Widjaja; Chairperson of PPLBI, Utami Prasetiawati; Chairperson of APKB, Iwa Koswara; and Director of Customs Facilities at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC), Padmoyo Tri Wikanto.

In his opening remarks, Benny Soetrisno emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in an era of rapid change. He noted that Indonesia, a country with more than 700 regional languages, can only stand strong through a spirit of cooperation.

“Collaboration is the identity of our nation. When managed wisely, collaboration becomes the right policy to achieve shared goals,” he said.

Benny further stated that the primary goal of synergy between the government and the business community is to create new employment opportunities.

“We are job creators. Where there is investment, there are jobs, which ultimately leads to increased tax revenue and purchasing power,” he explained.

He also encouraged industry players to prioritize domestic products in fulfilling the country’s large and promising market.

“Let’s fill the Indonesian market with our own products. Not imported goods. Of course, competition will be part of this goal. If our products are good and competitive, they will be chosen,” Benny asserted.

Meanwhile, Padmoyo Tri Wikanto, Director of Customs Facilities at DJBC, highlighted the importance of dialogue among industry stakeholders to identify and address challenges, especially those faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“From logistics issues, raw material needs, to the high cost of small-scale imports, we need to find solutions together,” he stated.

APKB Chairperson Iwa Koswara added that bonded zones play a significant role in reducing production costs and enhancing industrial competitiveness. Through the suspension of import duties and taxes, industries can focus on expanding production capacity and generating more employment.

“The ripple effect is felt across the national supply chain. Every player in the industrial ecosystem is encouraged to grow,” Iwa said.

PPLBI Chairperson Utami Prasetiawati elaborated that Bonded Logistics Centers (PLBs) offer major advantages for domestic industries from avoiding demurrage and detention fees at ports, optimizing cash flow through partial release of goods, to ensuring full compliance with import regulations.

“Without meeting the import restriction and prohibition (Lartas) requirements, goods cannot be released from a PLB. So, PLBs offer an efficient and legal solution for businesses,” Utami concluded.