REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has called on officials to take firm action against people found supporting smuggling practices.

"Apparatuses, who back or support smuggling, must be firmly acted upon," President Jokowi stated at a limited cabinet meeting on smuggling here on Wednesday.

The president emphasized that if smuggling practices were not eradicated, the people would lose interest in making investments and in becoming involved in production.

This will cause major losses to the state, the president pointed out.

"Therefore, firm action should be taken against all (those who support smuggling) without any discrimination," Jokowi stated.

At the limited cabinet meeting, the president evaluated the earlier limited sessions on smuggling.

"We have already mapped out the sensitive areas. Now, what is left to be done is prevention, supervision, law enforcement, and restriction of spaces for smuggling activities," Jokowi said.

According to the head of state, the areas most prone to smuggling should be protected and supervised, and the efforts should also be carried out in the region.

The president also highlighted the importance of preventive and supervisory efforts in border areas, which serve as the entry points for smuggled goods, particularly the alleys in border areas.

"Supervision should be tightened, particularly in sensitive points, such as those in Sumatra. I want to stress here once again the importance of supervision and joint patrols," the president affirmed.

The president called on all apparatuses of the maritime affairs and fisheries ministry, sea security agency, and the police and military personnel to work together, so that areas prone to smuggling could be supervised effectively, and related matters could be put in order.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika