Trade Minister Zulhas: Illegal Import Task Force Doesn't Target Retail Traders, But Big Wholesale

JAKARTA - Minister of Trade (Mendag), Zulkifli Hasan said the Task Force (Satgas) for Supervision of Certain Goods or illegal imports did not target retail traders as targets of handling.

The man who is familiarly called Zulhas said the Task Force will focus on overseeing the activities of importers, distributors, or wholesalers of seven supervised commodities.

The seven commodities are Textiles and textile products (TPT), Jadi Clothing, Ceramics, Electronics, Beauty or cosmetics, Textile Goods are finished, and Footwear.

"So that there is no misunderstanding, the focus of supervision is importers or distributors. So wholesale, importers," he said during a press conference, at the Ministry of Trade office, Jakarta, Friday, July 19.

Therefore, Zulhas appealed to traders who sell the seven commodities with legal status not to worry about the existence of the task force.

"If it's true, why panic? Just keep trading, why panic," said Zulhas.

Furthermore, Zulhas revealed that the newly formed task force will be on duty next week. He said the task force would prioritize supervision and inspection at the entrances to imported goods, namely the port.

"What's the entry? Of course later in ports, not retail. Retail is a result," he explained.

Zulhas said that if the task force later needed information from retail traders, the task force would also go to a shopping center to gather information.

"Yes, if needed, but not the target. If information is needed, you can," he said.

Zulhas also admitted that he had pocketed the locations of illegal imported goods. However, he was reluctant to reveal where they were.

"Yes, there are several points. Where? Yes, don't. Already, it's there," said Zulhas.