Association Urges Government To Form National Logistics Agency

Chairman of the DPP Association of Indonesian Logistics and Forwarders (ALFI) Akbar Djohan. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

The Indonesian Logistics and Forwarder Association (ALFI) urges the government and related parties to form a National Logistics Agency (BLN) to support the economic growth target of a new government of eight percent.

"If there is logistical governance and there is a body, it's not impossible because of the fact, we are always above five percent of the growth," said Chairman of the DPP Indonesian Logistics and Forwarder Association (ALFI) Akbar Djohan after attending the Indonesia Port Editors' Club (IPEC) in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Wednesday, July 3.

Akbar admitted that his party had written to the elected president Prabowo Subianto regarding the urgency of the formation of BLN.

"Last year there was still a political year. Now, there is a winner. So, we have given written input to the elected president or a new palace, including through our parent organization, namely Kadin," he said.

He claims that logistical contributions over the past four years include transportation and warehousing, placing as the second largest contributor after the stainless iron mineral industry.

According to him, this significant contribution is very important to achieve the eight percent economic growth target expected by the new government.

"So the contribution is huge. If for example it is not maximized, it feels like the target of the new president (economic growth) is eight percent, it will be far from that goal," said Akbar.

In addition, according to Akbar, BLN will be able to increase logistics competitiveness not only nationally but at the global level.

"Hopefully the law, it's okay, process. After all, this is for the national interest so that it has global or regional competitiveness," said Akbar.

Broadly speaking, Akbar hopes that the existence of BLN can accelerate the investment climate both at home and abroad, and can maximize revenue from the logistics sector.

In addition, it can accelerate the manufacturing industry sector and prevent deindustrialization.

"We don't expect a budget. No, we logistics entrepreneurs are very independent, we want an independent institution, with clear tasks, a clear KPI (key performance index)," he said.

Therefore, Akbar hopes that the new government can form it with an accountability report to the president.

"That's why it is hoped that it will start with a presidential regulation, but if possible, by law. But the most important thing is to report it to the president. That's the most important thing," said Akbar.

Previously, Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati stated that Indonesia was able to maintain strong economic growth in the first quarter of 2024, reaching 5.1 percent year-on-year (yoy).

"In the midst of global uncertainty, the Indonesian economy can continue to show resilience, as can be seen from the growth achievement in the first quarter," Sri Mulyani said in a statement in Jakarta, Monday, May 6.