Discussions about increasing the use of domestic products and anti-import sentiments have long echoed among public officials. Lately, these conversations seem to be growing ever more frequent. Of course, using domestically produced goods is not inherently a bad thing. The problem arises when it is forced. Like any other kind of love, love for domestic products is no fun when it is coerced. One of the instruments Indonesia is currently pushing hard is TKDN.
Mar 29, 2022
This morning I watched “Ngobrol Tempo” on YouTube. The show featured officials from the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Trade, and Gabel, the electronics manufacturers’ association. The topic was how to pursue import substitution for electronics products, amid the Ministry of Industry’s policy to cut imports by 35%. I found the program quite interesting and was very pleased with how Bu Ratna from Tempo moderated the discussion. Several points struck me as particularly noteworthy.
Mar 4, 2022