TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Passengers still confused about import rules
While the Trade Ministry's 2021 regulation contains provisions on foreign goods brought in as carry-on items, the amended restriction policy covers more types of goods and additional details as to quota and value per passenger, but lacks clarity on what travelers can and cannot do.
Change Size
Travelers push trolleys on March 21, 2024 in Terminal 3 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten. The Transportation Ministry has predicted that the Idul Fitri holiday season will peak between April 3 and 18, with total air travel reaching up to 4.4 million passengers. (Antara/Muhammad Iqbal)
A
government import restriction on carry-on items has been met with public outcry, and numerous internet users have voiced concern over the policy’s lack of clarity on what goods they can and cannot bring into the country in their luggage.
As she plans to travel to Malaysia in April, Sasanti Notowidjojo is among the many passengers filled with trepidation about the impacts of the new policy, which took effect on March 10.
“I noticed on social media that people are sharing their experiences in reporting their carry-on items. However, I am concerned about the potential consequences of not reporting my items prior to departure,” Sasanti said on Monday.
“I also wonder if celebrities and government officials traveling abroad will be subject to the same regulations as everyone else,” she said.
Cicilia Nina, a professional who lives in Bintaro, South Jakarta, is also concerned about the lack of clarity over how the carry-on restriction will be implemented.
“I don't necessarily object to the restriction, but I believe there is room for more reasonable regulations,” she said.
Cicilia also noted it was important to consider preparedness when it came to the policy’s practical application, as well as being open about the reasons behind the restriction.
