Entrepreneurs' Input to the Draft Bill on Consumer Protection

Entrepreneurs provide input regarding the application of criminal penalties in the revision of Law No. 8 of 1999 on Consumer Protection (“UU 8/1999”). The Chairman of the Indonesian Retailers and Shopping Center Tenants Association (Himpunan Peritel dan Penyewa Pusat Perbelanjaan Indonesia/HIPPINDO), Budiharjo Iduansjah in his input to the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Republik Indonesia/DPR RI) pposed the application of criminal penalties for sellers who commit negligence in selling.

According to him, sellers should only be given guidance if the incident was based on unintentional actions. In addition, Budiharjo also regretted the application of penalties for the sale of problematic products that are not the result of the seller's production, but through a consignment mechanism.

"If the seller does not produce but makes a sale, he is in a position to be given guidance. But those who make it are allowed to be punished," said Budiharjo to Hukumonline..

He also emphasized that supervision of online product sellers needs to be tightened. Budiharjo supports the amendment to UU 8/1999 to be completed immediately.