Kemendag Revises Regulations on Shopping Centers and Self-Service Stores

The Ministry of Trade (“Kemendag”) is preparing a Draft Regulation of the Minister of Trade amending Regulation of the Minister of Trade (“Permendag”) No. 23 of 2021 on Guidelines for the Development, Management, and Guidance of Shopping Centers and Self-Service Stores, as amended by Permendag No. 18 of 2022 (collectively referred to as “Permendag 23/2021”).

“This revision of this Permendag is intended to harmonize and adjust to regulatory developments as well as dynamics in the trade sector,” explained the Director General of Domestic Trade, Iqbal Shoffan Shofwan, to Hukumonline.

At present, the revision process is in the stage of receiving public input and undergoing inter-ministerial coordination and alignment. According to Iqbal, the proposed amendments generally include strengthening reporting and data on partnerships with Micro-, Small-, and Medium Scales Enterprises (Usaha Mikro, Kecil, dan Menengah - “UMKM”), employment absorption, and enhancing UMKMs’ access to marketing channels within self-service stores networks, including global retail chains.

The revision will also regulate the clarification of the role of Regional Governments in determining the operating hours of self-service stores in accordance with regional needs. It further includes adjustments to legal norms to ensure alignment with the provisions of Regulation of the Government (“PP”).