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New customs chief vows to tackle smuggling and graft
The customs and excise office, notorious as one of the most corrupt government institutions, is looking to turn a new leaf under the tenure of its new chief
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he customs and excise office, notorious as one of the most corrupt government institutions, is looking to turn a new leaf under the tenure of its new chief.
Several weeks ago, Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo appointed Agung Kuswandono — hailed as one of key corruption eradication figures — the new customs and excise director general.
Critics, however, still question if the 44-year old former customs facility director is capable of waging a tough war against smuggling despite his good track record against graft.
In a recent interview with The Jakarta Post, the new customs and excise chief said eradicating corruption was one of his top priorities in his new role.
Agung Kuswandono: Antara
Agung also elaborated on his efforts to tackle the influx of imported goods and widespread smuggling, fend off political pressure and manage and lead his former mentors and seniors. Here are excerpts of the interview:
What are your priorities in the first weeks of leading the customs and excise office?
The first will be internal consolidation. I’m preparing the right people for the right roles. The second is reviewing and fixing regulations and legal grounds for our daily work, because issues on the ground are mainly caused by a lack of supporting regulation. The third will be preparing IT infrastructure to support our work. But the most important point on my agenda will be to promote the integrity of all customs and excise officials. I have been very firm in stating that all customs and excise officers commit to turning the directorate into an authoritative, dignified and corruption-free institution.
How do you deliver on the commitments you have made?
I myself have to abide by the commitments before it goes to all officers. I have met with several aides to brief them on five main points that need to be maintained during my tenure. First is staying away from corruption, collusion and nepotism. Second is staying away from corruption, collusion and nepotism. Third is staying away from corruption, collusion and nepotism. Fourth is working professionally and the fifth is working ethically. Once we are clean, we can enforce regulations easily without being coopted, intimidated or suffering intervention at the hands of other parties.
You listed IT upgrades as one of your priorities. Can you elaborate?
We are currently preparing a blueprint to establish a new integrated automated system. We have procured new hardware and software. Within one to two years, this will transform customs and excise operations and services. At present, import and export data is not linked. The new system will integrate them into one to track businesses conducting various activities.
With the implementation of free trade agreements, the customs and excise office has become the first line of defense in protecting the competitiveness of local products. What measures are you implementing?
We need to strengthen the capacity of the staff on the ground. We will brief officers on the FTAs and its many aspects and sectors. We need to strengthen the supervisory system so FTAs are not misused by those who are not supposed to benefit from the agreements through falsifying documents for example. This is just one of our jobs, which, to be honest is a tough job. We need be stronger in tackling it.
Human resources are indeed the most crucial point in the customs and excise directorate general. We have strong, knowledgeable and skillful officers but it may not be enough to face new changes in the market. We face the ASEAN Economic Community and more free trade pacts in the future. We need to be more prepared.
How can you stop officers from being involved in smuggling practices, which are widely believed to be run by politicians and those in power?
Supervisory officers must be clean. My principle is simple — all public servants have been sworn in. We have made an oath in the name of God. The regulations, codes of ethics, norms and values are clear and encompassing. Now it’s a matter of committing to actually implementing them. As for political pressure, it’s up to politicians to stop intervening.
Given your relatively young age and only 10 years of experience working for the customs and excise office, how do you manage those more senior than you?
Fortunately this office employs professional people. So far, I have not faced such barriers. I admit that it is a bit difficult leading people who used to be seniors and mentors. But they respect and support me, so there is no friction so far. I have sought their permission to lead them. I need to be careful doing the job so that I will not grow arrogant. The key is in me. My seniors respect me, so it’s a matter of me not getting carried away.
