VPTI and the Future of Indonesian Trade: Balancing National Industry Protection and Import Needs
This article explores the "policy paradox" facing Indonesia: the challenge of maintaining open international trade—with an import value reaching USD 221.89 billion—while simultaneously protecting domestic consumers and industries from the influx of illegal products.
Readers will gain insight into how Import Technical Verification (VPTI) is not merely an administrative procedure, but a constitutional mandate (UUD 1945) and the state's role as a gatekeeper to ensure economic justice. The article highlights critical data, such as the USD 2.95 billion discrepancy in textile export data from China and the 34% surge in steel imports that threatens the national industry.
Beyond analyzing technical issues like surveyor standard inconsistencies and potential conflicts of interest, this article provides a roadmap of strategic solutions. Recommendations include regulatory harmonization, the adoption of National Single Window (NSW) and blockchain technologies, and the implementation of a risk-based verification approach similar to Singapore’s model to create a fair and efficient trading system.