Indonesian Audit Watch proposes systemic reforms for DJBC

Iskandar Sitorus, Secretary Founder of Indonesian Audit Watch (IAW), has characterized the performance improvements of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) as positive news for the public. However, he cautioned that initial successes should not halt ongoing reforms, warning that without systemic changes, old patterns may return once public attention shifts.

To ensure sustainable improvement, IAW proposes the implementation of the National Border Economic Governance System (NBEGS) and the Indonesian Customs and Excise Authority (OKCI). Sitorus emphasized that structural changes alone are insufficient unless accompanied by improvements in data, authority, oversight, integrity, and performance metrics.

IAW has outlined several strategic recommendations for President Prabowo Subianto, including establishing economic border reform as a national strategic agenda, conducting comprehensive audits of DJBC processes and human resources, and forming a NBEGS preparation team. Key pillars for this reform include treating data as a strategic national asset, ensuring integrated systems maintain sectoral accountability, and implementing national risk management through a joint border targeting center.