Jakarta - Minister of Trade Enggartiasto Lukita emphasized that National Consumer Day (Harkonas) which is commemorated every April 20 must be used as a momentum to increase the empowerment of Indonesian consumers. The empowerment of Indonesian consumers must be increased so that consumers are not vulnerable to exploitation.
Trade Minister Enggar revealed several things that he wanted to achieve by commemorating Harkonas, namely to massively strengthen consumer awareness of the importance of their rights and obligations, as well as to encourage increased competitiveness of products produced by domestic business actors.
"Through the commemoration of Harkonas, we also want to position consumers as agents of change in their position as subjects determining Indonesia's economic activities. In this way, it is hoped that business actors will be encouraged to produce and trade quality and competitive goods/services in the era of globalization," said the Minister of Trade, Thursday (20/04).
Trade Minister Enggar also emphasized the Government's commitment to continue carrying out the task of developing efforts to protect Indonesian consumers. The results of the mapping of the Indonesian Consumer Empowerment Index (IKK) conducted by the Ministry of Trade in 2016 in 13 provinces showed that Indonesia's IKK value was 30,86 out of a maximum value of 100.
"The mapping of the Indonesian IKK in general shows that consumers tend not to know the laws and consumer protection institutions, and do not file complaints when they feel disadvantaged," said Trade Minister Enggar.
Enggar continued, the survey results revealed that only 42% of consumers who experienced problems preferred not to make complaints. The reasons given varied. There were consumers who argued that the risk of loss received was considered not large (37%), did not know where to complain (24%), and considered the complaint process and procedures long and complicated (20%). There were also those who argued that they already knew the seller well (6%) so they did not make a complaint.
The theme of the 2017 Harkonas Commemoration is "Smart, Independent, and Domestic Product Love Consumer Movement". According to Enggar, smart consumers are consumers who are able to uphold their rights, carry out their obligations, and are able to protect themselves from goods or services that are detrimental.
"Smart consumers will of course only buy products that comply with the provisions and prioritize the use of domestic products. The use of domestic products that comply with the provisions will increase the competitiveness and economy of the nation, which in turn will improve the welfare of the community," he explained.
Harkonas commemoration is based on the date of issuance of Law No. 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection. Through this Harkonas commemoration, it is hoped that it can be a reminder to continue to increase consumer empowerment, especially at a time when the opportunities and challenges faced by consumers are getting stronger with the development of technology.
Enggar explained, with the increasingly digital and global market, there are more choices, opportunities, convenience in transactions, and more affordable prices. However, to ensure sustainable growth, not only the guarantee of the availability of goods and/or services is prioritized, but digital market development must also be trusted, provide protection for consumers, and be integrated with everyday life.
Currently, 40% of the world's population and 33,2% of Indonesia's population have access to the internet. This will certainly continue to grow in the future, so consumers must be more observant in avoiding detrimental business practices. Therefore, the Minister of Trade emphasized that consumer protection is an absolute prerequisite in realizing a healthy economy through a balance between protecting the interests of consumers and business actors.
"Through adequate consumer empowerment and protection, Indonesia is able to build a dignified, intelligent, healthy, innovative, and productive human quality. This will bring Indonesia to have national resilience, and be much more competitive in various fields on the world stage," concluded the Minister of Trade. ** Ministry of Trade Public Relations Bureau and Ministry of Communication and Information Government Communication Team
The series of activities to commemorate Harkonas 2017 carried out by the Ministry of Trade are as follows:
- April 20, 2017 Seminar “Building Trade Transactions Through Trusted Electronic Systems” in Jakarta
- April 23, 2017 Distribution of Harkonas souvenirs (fans) at Car Free Day Jabodetabek, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Medan, Makassar, and Banjarmasin
- April 26, 2017 Choir Competition, Smart Consumer Jingle and Regional Songs in Semarang
- May 3, 2017 The Peak Event of the 2017 National Consumer Day Commemoration Held in the Yard of the Central Java Governor's Office which was filled with the following activities:
- Award Presentation for Local Government Concerned with Consumer Protection
- Exhibition of consumer protection institutions and domestic products.
More information contact:
Head of Public Relations Bureau of the Ministry of Trade: Luther Palimbong
021-3860371/021-3508711 – pusathumas@kemendag.go.id
Director of Consumer Empowerment, Ministry of Trade: Ganef Judawati
021- 3858187/021-3857954 – ganef@kemendag.go.id
