Starting to Reform, Director General of Customs and Excise Djaka Aims to Eliminate the Image of a Den of Extortion

JAKARTA - Director General of Customs and Excise, Djaka Budhi Utama, pledged his commitment to internal reform after Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa emphasized that Customs and Excise could face suspension if it does not immediately improve its performance.

He also aims to gradually eliminate the negative stigma associated with extortion practices.

"Starting with human resources, starting with equipment. We will gradually eliminate the public image that Customs and Excise is a den of extortion," he said when met at the Jakarta Customs Regional Office on Wednesday, December 3.

He viewed the Minister of Finance's criticism as a form of evaluation for the institution he leads and is optimistic that Customs and Excise will be able to demonstrate real change going forward.

"Yes, the point is that it is a form of, what do you call it, correction. A form of correction from Customs and Excise. What is certain is that Customs and Excise will strive to improve in the future," he said.

Djaka also emphasized that his office does not want a repeat of the suspension of customs functions during President Soeharto's administration.

During the 1985–1995 period, several Customs and Excise authorities were suspended and transferred to Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS) through PT Surveyor Indonesia for reform.

"We don't want the dark history of 1985–1995 to repeat itself, or for Customs and Excise to repeat it. Therefore, Customs and Excise must reform itself to eliminate its negative image," he added.

Djaka explained that internal reforms will include improving organizational culture, improving performance, strengthening oversight at ports and airports, and enhancing the quality of public services.

"Of course, when we provide services to the public, if there is dissatisfaction, we will gradually strive to improve it," he explained.

As part of the performance improvement, he stated that Customs and Excise has begun using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to prevent under-invoicing at ports. Djaka acknowledged that the system is not yet perfect, but will continue to be developed.

"Yes, of course, we're trying to utilize existing technology. For example, at ports, to avoid under-invoicing, we've made efforts to connect with AI. So, we're developing our talent tools with AI capabilities. Little by little, although it's not perfect yet, we're working towards that goal," he said.