Jakarta. The government collected Rp 183.2 trillion ($12 billion) in customs and excise revenues as of Aug. 31, 2024, achieving 57.1 percent of the target set in the 2024 State Budget and marking a 6.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Breaking it down, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Djiwandono said import duties reached Rp 33.9 trillion, or 59.1 percent of the 2024 import duties target. This figure grew 3.1 percent compared to the same period in 2023.

"This 3.1 percent year-on-year growth in import duties is driven by a 3.4 percent increase in import value and the strengthening of the US dollar exchange rate," Thomas said at a press conference at the Finance Ministry on Monday.

Export duties reached Rp 10.9 trillion, or 62.2 percent of the 2024 target. Compared to the same period in 2023, export duties surged by 59.3 percent, largely driven by a 567.8 percent year-on-year increase in copper export duties, which now account for 77.1 percent of total export duties due to the relaxation of copper commodity exports. Meanwhile, palm oil export duties dropped 57.3 percent due to a 5.21 percent decrease in average CPO prices and a 16.11 percent reduction in palm oil export volume year-on-year.

"Export duties grew significantly by 59.3 percent, influenced by the relaxation of copper commodity export policies, although there was a decline in palm oil export duties due to falling prices and export volumes," Thomas noted.

Excise revenues amounted to Rp 138.4 trillion, or 56.2 percent of the target, growing by 5 percent from August 2023. Tobacco excise revenues reached Rp 132.8 trillion, up 4.7 percent, driven by increased production in categories I and III. Excise on alcoholic beverages and ethyl alcohol grew 11.9 percent and 21.9 percent year-on-year, respectively, due to tariff increases and higher production.

"In addition, customs and excise authorities continue to take consistent action to curb the circulation of illegal cigarettes, with 157.5 million illegal cigarettes seized during this period," Thomas added.