Association Opens Voice About MDBK Excise Plan This Year: Not The Right Policy

Chairman of the Association of Light Drinks Industry (Asrim) Triyono Prijosoesilo (left). (Photo: Theresia Agatha/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Light Drink Industry Association (Asrim) has opened its voice regarding the implementation of the Packaged Contained Drink (MBDK) excise which is planned to be implemented by the government in 2024.

The imposition of excise is a controlling tool to reduce consumption of products that are classified as unhealthy.

General Chairperson of Asrim Triyono Prijosoesilo said that the policy related to the imposition of excise was not the right policy.

He considered that the beverage industry or processed beverage products were not the main contributors in terms of calories.

"In principle, related to (encouraging) excise, it is not the right policy. If the goal is for health, let's see what the bigger one looks like. Because we know that the fast-food beverage or beverage industry is not the main contribution from the calorie side," Triyono said as quoted on Thursday, March 14.

According to Triyono, the policy will only disrupt the performance of the beverage industry. So, in the end, the issue related to health itself was not resolved.

"So, if the (enforcement) of excise is implemented, the drinking industry will be affected in terms of growth. However, the big issues related to health will not be answered," he added.

Previously, the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) ensured that regulations related to the excise duty of Packaging 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 types of drinks subject to excise duty, he said, this will be differentiated according to the categories, methods of processing, as well as existing sugar content.

"Food is not only related to sugar levels, but how high the glysemic index is, how to processing it. Those who drink and eat.