Indonesian authorities on Monday destroyed IDR 20.22 billion (approximately USD 1.3 million) worth of illegally imported goods, including industrial machinery, cell phones, and household items such as pots and pans.
People shopping at a wet market in Indonesia. Photo by Pexels
According to Indonesian Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan, these goods failed to comply with the country’s stringent import regulations. Among the destroyed items were grinding machines, drilling machines, mobile phones, and tablets that did not meet Indonesia’s standards. The electric pans and car washing machines alone were valued at around IDR 15 billion. Other items included boxes, electric boiler cables, tires, textiles, downstream plastics, forestry products, and alcoholic beverages.
Indonesia has been ramping up efforts to combat the influx of illegal imports. Minister Hasan emphasized that these illegal activities, which he referred to as part of the “underground economy,” have resulted in a loss of up to 40% of state revenues. The destruction of these goods is part of a broader initiative to protect the country’s economy and ensure that all imported products meet the necessary legal and safety standards.
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