Indonesia Takes Step to Ease Business Cost

Jakarta, 12 Muharram 1438/13 October 2016 (MINA) – The Indonesian government has taken stern actions against illegal levies which rise cost of bossiness in the country struggling to boost competitiveness and lure foreign capitals.

Security Chief Minister Wiranto disclosed on Wednesday that a task force will be set up to eliminate the irresponsible payments, which have eroded competitiveness of the country’s products at global market, and is expected to kick off operation next week.

According to Xinhua, the plan was vowed after President Joko Widodo on Tuesday inspected the search operation at transport ministry, finding over one billion rupiah (about 76,787 U.S. dollars) funds suspected as illegal levy and dismissing scores of officials allegedly collecting illegal levies on shipment documents.

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Minister Wiranto said that President Widodo has ordered authorities to form the force that can eradicate rampant illegal levies across the country.

“The task force will receive people’s complaints through an on-line system and follow them up,” he disclosed at the State Palace.

Most of the members of the force will be policemen, Minister Wiranto revealed.

President Widodo is striving to step up competitiveness and investment climate in the Southeast Asia’s biggest economy, including shortening dwelling time period at sea port, simplifying licensing process for investment, deregulation and simplifying bureaucracy.

Scores of officials, including a top official at the country’s main sea port in Jakarta and a senior official at trade ministry, have been arrested for allegedly hampering the move smooth flows of goods.

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Days ago, two officials allegedly delaying exit of goods from sea port in North Sumatra and applying illegal payments have been detained.

To rise the country’s subdued exports, President Widodo on Wednesday asked exporters to penetrate non-traditional markets, African countries and India.

Indonesia’s reforms have been appreciated by investors, bolstering stock market and attracting a huge of capital inflows as the country’s economy is estimate to grow steadily next year, 5.1 percent, amid slowing growth in other nations. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)