The Ministry of Trade plans to revise the newly imposed limitations on carry-on items for international travelers, a few days after the regulations took effect on March 10, 2024. 

This decision comes in the wake of a significant backlash on social media against the stipulations outlined in the Trade Ministry Regulation No. 36/2023 in conjunction with Trade Ministry Regulation No. 3/2024 regarding import policies, specifically concerning the carry-on restrictions on electronic goods for international passengers. 

The regulation pertains to foreign and Indonesian travelers, including migrant workers, with the aim of curbing the sale of overseas purchases within Indonesia without the requisite import duties and taxes. This measure is part of the government's broader strategy to protect domestic industries and promote locally manufactured goods by tightening customs regulations concerning the untaxed entry of foreign products. 

Amidst reports of complaints ranging from restrictions on footwear to cosmetics, Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan stated, “Due to numerous complaints, including issues with carrying shoes, cosmetics, among others, we will re-evaluate after sending a letter to the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs to discuss this matter further,” as quoted by CNN Indonesia at Tanah Abang market in Jakarta, March 14. 

He did not provide any further details regarding the potential amendments to the regulation or a timeline for the revision.  

As of the time of publication, the new rule limits travelers to a maximum of two laptops, computer tablets, smartphones, or a combination of these items. Additionally, a traveler may bring no more than five electronic items with a cumulative value of up to US$1,500. The regulation further limits each traveler to two pairs of shoes and five textile items, with those exceeding these allowances subjected to inspections and potential import duties.  

The enforcement of these carry-on restrictions falls under the jurisdiction of the Finance Ministry’s Directorate General of Customs and Excise.  

When questioned on how customs officials would differentiate between items for personal use and those intended for resale, Mr. Hasan remarked, "That’s customs’ business. They know. It's already common practice," as quoted by The Jakarta Post. He highlighted that the regulation merely added further clarity to existing practices.