YLKI Asks Government To Take Strict Action Against Illegal Importers

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) has asked the government to take firm action against illegal importers, especially hazardous foods from China because it is considered very disturbing.

"If possible, the perpetrators will be investigated and prosecuted, who is involved in the supply, circulation and trade of illegal products," said YLKI Daily Management Sudaryatmo as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, July 18.

According to Sudaryatmo, the entry of illegal Chinese food products is dangerous because Indonesia's supervision is very weak. This is a gap in the entry of illegal Chinese food products that have substandard quality and endanger the community.

In China there are good products, there are also standard products. If our regulations are weak and the supervision is also weak, it is the target of the entry of products from China which is below standard," said Sudaryatmo.

He said the public is currently worried about the circulation of illegal food and beverages from abroad such as China.

The product is circulating but its safety is doubtful because there is no BPOM permit and it is not even halal certification.

Concerns are getting bigger because it has caused casualties. One of the cases was what happened in Sukabumi last May when dozens of students at SDN Cidadap I, Sukaraja District, Sukabumi Regency experienced dizziness, nausea, and vomiting after buying snacks from China.

Previously, the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) collaborated with the Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) to form an illegal import task force to anticipate and dispel various illegal import practices including food and dangerous beverages from abroad.

"We ask for support from the AGO to create a team, immediately look to the field. Once found, of course we will submit law enforcement to the Prosecutor's Office, we can't afford it, so that we can reduce this illegal entry item to protect the industry," said Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas).

Zulhas hopes that the task force can be formed soon.

According to him, currently imports of illegal products entering Indonesia have entered a dangerous level.

" Faster, better. Hopefully this week because it's already an emergency," said Zulkifli.