Dumai asks for import permit extension

PEKANBARU: Dumai municipal office has appealed to the central government to extend the permit that would allow the continuation of food and beverages imports through Dumai seaport.

Mayor Khairil Anwar said the 2008 ministerial decree that facilitated the imports had boosted the local economy and a discontinuation, with the decree expiring on Dec. 31, could deal the municipality a severe blow.

“Dumai people are thankful that the port has allowed the imports. If they are banned, people will lose a source of income,” he said Monday.

Khairil estimated that 7,000 workers, including stevedores, would be affected upon the revocation of the decree.

“Where will they end up? I’m afraid a ban on imports would increase the crime rate in Dumai,” he said.

He explained that a ban, if realized, would reflect partial treatment of the region, which contributes significantly to the state budget, with Dumai port recording oil exports worth Rp 35 trillion this year to 11 countries, non-gas exports of Rp 274 trillion and import duties of Rp 2.4 trillion.

“Dumai deserves to be rewarded. Given its strategic location on the Malacca Strait, Dumai should be able to play an important part in trade,” he said. — JP