Indonesia Reviews Its Geographical Indication Rules: Protection Has to Continue After Registration
Indonesia's Ministry of Law (Kementerian Hukum or Kemenkum) is evaluating how well its rules on geographical indications (GIs) work after a product has been registered. The findings were discussed at a policy strategy discussion hosted by the ministry's East Kalimantan regional office on 28 October 2026, with other regional offices, including West Sulawesi and South Sumatra, taking part online, according to ANTARA and regional media.
The rule under review
The discussion covered the results of an impact evaluation of Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 10 of 2022, which amends Regulation No. 12 of 2019 on geographical indications (Permenkumham 10/2022), including the challenges of using and supervising products after they receive legal protection. GIs themselves are protected under Law No. 20 of 2016 on Marks and Geographical Indications.
Key messages
The head of the ministry's Legal Policy Strategy Agency, Andry Indrady, said GI protection has to be followed by guidance, supervision and market development, and that policy recommendations should be based on valid data and involve all stakeholders, including local governments and the communities that manage the products.
The head of the West Sulawesi regional office, Saefur Rochim, said GIs can strengthen the identity and economic value of regional products, but that this needs quality guidance, promotion, market development and a shared commitment to keep the product's characteristics and sustainability.
The evaluation presented at the event identified a need for outreach, registration assistance, stronger institutions, coordination across regional agencies and budget support.
An example from Bontang
The meeting heard from the GI protection community for Ikan Bawis Bontang, a fish product from East Kalimantan. Registering it required support and evidence that the product's specific characteristics are linked to its geographical origin. Protection is also expected to support conservation of the fish's habitat and the sustainability of the resource.
Why it matters
A GI certificate alone does not create value. The review points to what usually decides whether a GI works in practice: a functioning producer association, enforced quality standards, supervision against misuse and access to markets. For businesses buying or selling GI products, it is also a signal that post-registration supervision may receive more attention.
Sources
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