The Minister of Trade Finally Involves idEA in the Preparation of the E-Commerce RPP

The polemic between the Ministry of Trade and Indonesian E-Commerce Association (idEA) finally found the light. In a meeting between the Minister of Trade Rachmat Gobel and idEA, it was stated that the Ministry would involve idEA in the process of drafting the regulation.

As a concrete step, the Minister of Trade will assign one of his expert staff to work closely with idEA in overseeing the process of preparing the RPP. The target for completion of the draft is August and both parties will hold intensive meetings in this regard.

The Trade Minister and idEA themselves agreed that the regulation should prioritize the protection aspect for local e-commerce players. idEA Chairman Daniel Tumiwa commented, “We appreciate Mr. Rachmat Gobel who has responded to our input. Of course, we will do our best to cooperate with the Ministry of Trade in producing regulations that prioritize the protection of local players. Hopefully, regulations that are conducive to advancing the national e-commerce industry can be achieved.”

In addition to being involved in the preparation of the E-Commerce RPP, it was also discussed the possibility of idEA playing a role in accrediting e-commerce business actors in Indonesia considering that idEA is the only association of e-commerce players in the local realm.

Previously idEA was busy protest the policy of the Ministry of Trade to conduct a public review of the draft RPP E-Commerce because it is considered not transparent and does not involve industry players in its preparation. idEA is worried some articles it will hamper the growth of the e-commerce industry in the country.