LONDON: Indonesia will close illegal ports countrywide next month in a bid to curb smuggling, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung has said, adding that many ports were unaware they were operating without legal permits. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has instructed the Transportation Minister to tidy up the port business by warning the owners of illegal ports to begin permit processes to avoid termination. “After Idul Fitri, ports will be closed by the government,” Pramono asserted.
He said the President had also ordered an auction of smuggled goods in a bid to provide more benefits to the community, rather than destroying such goods, which provides no benefit to the people. The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) will be given the chance to take part in the auction and utilize the goods. “Some of them will not be destroyed, but will go to auction. If possible, we will give Bulog an opportunity. For example, seven containers of beef seized by the customs agency are going to be auctioned or used by Bulog for market operations,” Pramono said.
Earlier, Jokowi reaffirmed that Indonesia would not tolerate the backing of smugglers. He called to limit smugglers’ movements by enhancing prevention, control and enforcement measures. The President also called on all relevant authorities to synergize patrol efforts in border areas.
