Deputy Trade Minister Jerry Sambuaga said the Ministry of Trade will monitor e-commerce sites that do not allow the digital display and sale of local items.
An affirmative policy for Indonesian-made products is clearly stated by the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, he said after attending the Digital Economy Forum on Monday.
“We also keep an eye on e-commerce. If they don’t try to promote Indonesian products on their site, this may become an evaluation tool “explained he
This is in line with President Joko Widodo’s desire to encourage MSMEs and promote Indonesian products.
“The Ministry of Trade is ready to help,” Sambuaga said.
The ministry would also monitor how e-commerce platforms promote local items, he said.
For regulations, the Ministry of Trade will work with the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, which will impose stricter data and privacy requirements.
The former will set the norms for commerce, products, and business permits.
To highlight Indonesian products, the deputy minister stated they will work together.
After the forum on Monday, Minister of Communication and Informatics Johnny G. Plate urged e-commerce platforms to stock more local items.
Homegrown items are as good as imported ones. But MSME products should be pushed to enhance quality.
Plate’s ministry convened a forum to explore e-role commerce’s in helping the government spend on local products.
Teten Masduki, Minister of Cooperatives and MSMEs, and Bima Laga, Chairman of the Indonesian E-Commerce Association (idEA) also attended.
