inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa emphasized the crucial role of the Ministry of Finance's Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) in protecting the domestic market from the influx of smuggled goods, which could potentially undermine the competitiveness of domestic industry.

He stated that domestic demand growth will not be optimal if the domestic market is flooded with illegal goods. The Minister stated that smuggled goods create unfair competition as they originate from foreign companies operating illegally.

"If domestic demand is dominated by smuggled goods, domestic companies will have no room to compete fairly," Purbaya emphasized on Thursday (1/29/2026).

Therefore, he stated that Customs and Excise is at the forefront of safeguarding domestic market growth. He believes that weak oversight will directly impact state revenues, both from excise and tax sources.

"If we can't protect the market, excise will fall, taxes will fall, and I will suffer losses, and we will all suffer losses," the Minister said.

He also reminded that Indonesia's current economic growth of around 5 percent is still considered stable, but not enough to absorb additional productive-age workers. Therefore, the economy needs to be encouraged to grow faster by securing the domestic market and optimizing state revenues.

Meanwhile, the State Treasurer revealed that state revenues in 2025 have not yet reached the target, while state spending must continue to support the government's priority programs.

This situation has limited fiscal space and requires careful management. Furthermore, the Minister of Finance emphasized that he would tighten oversight of the performance of Directorate General of Customs and Excise officials.

He warned against further compromise on violations, especially those related to supervision at ports and strategic points.

"Going forward, we must not play around anymore. Because (officials) in new positions will be closely monitored, and if there are any disappointing events, I will replace them," he said.

The Minister of Finance asked all levels of staff to work harder to ensure optimal collection of state revenue from the customs and excise sector.

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