Backlog of 26,000 containers at ports 'normal': official

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The backlog of more than 26 thousand containers reported at two major Indonesian ports recently is normal, the director general of customs and excise at the Ministry of Finance, Askolani, has said.

"It is routine," he assured in Jakarta on Tuesday adding that there is nothing strange about it.

Askolani informed that his office is still inspecting the contents of 26,415 containers at Jakarta's Tanjung Priok and Surabaya's Tanjung Perak ports with the involvement of other related ministries and state institutions.

He said that he was not aware of the containers' contents, but emphasized that everything is being done in compliance with regulations.

"No goods pass without inspection. The permitting process is also lengthy," he informed, adding that other parties share responsibility for the backlog.

Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, previously said that he wanted to know the contents of the containers to protect the domestic industry.

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"Over 26 thousand is a big number. If it is only 100–200 containers, we will not bother, but if it is 26 thousand containers, we have to mitigate any potential risks," he added.

He stated that understanding the containers' contents is crucial because if they are raw materials, domestic industries could be impacted.

Minister said that his ministry has sent a letter to the Ministry of Finance, seeking an explanation about the contents of the containers at the two ports, and currently waiting for the response.