Indonesia also plans to work together with the FBI in enforcing the laws regarding intellectual property (IP). Based on the FBI’s expertise in resolving cases on IP, they are confident that the collaboration will be beneficial.

“We need information on strategic actions that need to be taken when there are criminal acts related to IP that we may be able to adopt and apply in Indonesia,” said Samsu Arifin.

According to Special Agent Supervisor Richard Alexander of the FBI, the bureau has previously handled cases, including computer crimes and cybercrimes, in addition to IP violation cases.

“In handling it, the FBI has representatives from the police, prosecutors and others. So that the resolution of existing problems can be well coordinated,” said Special Agent Richard.

The Assistant US Attorney Specialist on Cyber Crime is also ready to lend a hand. Further explaining that the FBI usually deals with IP crime focusing on piracy in the music and film industries.

This is what makes Indonesia interested in studying law enforcement carried out by the FBI through cooperation. "We also really want to cooperate with law enforcement," said Samsu Arifin. In fact, meetings with several government agencies, law enforcement and United States stakeholders serve as an emphasis of Indonesia's seriousness in eradicating the circulation of counterfeit and pirated goods.

Moreover, the Indonesian delegation also paid a visit in order to discuss releasing Indonesia from the Priority Watch List (PWL). Although the nation is considered a country that has a fairly severe level of IP violations based on the Special 301 Report from the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the Indonesian government has always enforced the law in the field of IP in protecting business actors, creators and inventors from IP violations. Starting from the pre-emptive, preventive and repressive methods.

To handle infringement crimes, the government has established a task force, Satgas Ops, to manage the PWL status given to the country. The task force consists of five ministries/institutions that have direct authority in the field of supervision and law enforcement of IP. It is hoped that the prevention, supervision and law enforcement of IP will run in a coordinated manner.

Despite its efforts, the United States government still feels that the actions taken by the Indonesian government to enforce the law are not enough. The USTR considers that most American products are still widely found in the Indonesian market, both in the physical market and in the online market.

Responding to this, the director of investigation and dispute settlement at the Intellectual Property Directorate General as the head of the delegation, Anom Wibowo, testified that Indonesia had been doing the best it could, by taking action against IP violators, according to reports from IP owners.

“In Indonesian law, IP crimes are included in economic crimes. So, the violation could go to court or be stopped in the middle of the road. Of course, we will take action according to the complaints received," said Anom.

He also asked the United States to provide information to the Indonesian government regarding data reports from IP owners whose products were counterfeited and hijacked.

"Give us the data, we will follow up later. Because IP law in Indonesia adheres to a complaint offense system," said Anom.

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