Regarding The Violation Of IMEI Rules, Minister Of Industry Agus Admitted That He Had Been Tempted

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

Minister of Industry (Menperin) Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita admitted that he had been teased by several businessmen to provide access to the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) managed through a technology called the Centralized Equipment Identity Register (CEIR).

The goal is to get involved in "reversing" IMEI regulations that aim to prevent the circulation of illegal import cellphones.

"I was contacted by several parties who invited me to "play" IMEI. So, I was tempted to play with illegal cellphones by several parties," Minister of Industry Agus told reporters, Friday, July 28.

Agus said the incident occurred about a year ago or in 2022.

"With this experience, I summoned and ordered the Director General of ILMATE to dismantle these practices," he said.

According to Agus, this practice must be stopped in order to reduce the entry of illegal cellphones (HP) into Indonesia. Thus, all imported cellphones that enter Indonesia are legal in nature, pay taxes, so that there is state revenue. Then, to encourage the growth of the domestic HP industry.

"Indeed, on his way, we admit that IMEI's governance must be perfected," he said.

Therefore, Agus asked the police to thoroughly dismantle the case.

Because, he continued, not only the Ministry of Industry was involved in the case, but there were a number of other parties.

He said the other parties consisted of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo), and cellular operators. The three institutions are known to have access to the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR).

The CEIR Machine is a tool used to store data and monitor cellphones throughout Indonesia using IMEI.

"Of course I also hope to the police, in dismantling the chaotic matter or IMEI governance, to also carry out a thorough investigation of the four institutions that I conveyed earlier," he said.