The Indonesian government is under pressure from within its own country to increase the import taxes on wheat flour-based foods.


The Indonesian Association of Wheat Flour Producers (Aptindo), which is calling for the increase, said the move was needed to protect the food processing industry in the country.


Association chairperson Ratna Sari Loppies added that the increase was in line with the country’s tariff harmonisation scheme.


Aptindo also called for a ban on further investment in new wheat flour factories in the country. She said Indonesia already has a large idle wheat flour capacity.