The Ministry Of Industry Asks For The Implementation Of Excise On Sweetened Drinks Postponed, Here's The Reason

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) through the Directorate General of Agro Industry has asked that the implementation of excise on Packaging Sweetened Drinks (MBDK) be postponed.

Director of the Beverage, Tobacco Products and Refreshing Materials Industry Directorate General of Agro Industry at the Ministry of Industry, Merrijantij Punguan Pintaria, said that the delay needed to be done because the industrial sector was still in the post-pandemic recovery stage.

"In our opinion, at this time it is still not the right time. (Because) the industry is still trying to choose to achieve its performance again. So, we hope to be a little delayed for this policy," said Merrijantij when met at the Asrim Press Conference agenda entitled "Ministry of Drinks in 2023 and Opportunities and Challenges in 2024" at the Mercure Hotel, Jakarta, Wednesday, March 13.

Merrijantij assessed that his party had communicated with related parties to discuss the implementation of the policy.

So, later the policy taken is the best decision and does not harm many parties.

"Actually, it needs more intense discussion in all sectors, all stakeholders, to see the best policies to maintain their economy and health," he said.

He added that currently his party is still discussing the implementation of the policy. "It's still being discussed," he added.

Previously, the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) ensured that regulations related to the excise duty of Packaged Contained Drinks (MBDK) would be ratified this year.

"(The MBDK excise regulation) has reached the final stage, it's just a matter of socialization. Then, it will be implemented later," said Deputy Minister of Health (Wamenkes) Dante Saksono Harbuwono when met in Jakarta, Monday, January 29, quoted by Antara.

Dante explained that the regulation is currently being socialized and coordinated with relevant stakeholders, one of which is together with the Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) regarding the amount of excise that will be applied.

"We will execute this as soon as possible, there are no real obstacles, ratified this year, it has been submitted. It will be ratified immediately when it has been signed, because we have made an academic study," he said.

Regarding the type of drink subject to excise duty, he said it would be different according to the categories, methods of processing, as well as the existing sugar content.

"Food is not only related to sugar levels, but how high the glysemic index is, how to process it. Those with different drinks and foods, we will determine later," he said.