The textile and textile product industry (TPT) assesses that the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) has taken the right steps in downsizing the Product Certificate Institute (LSPro). Although downsizing alone certainly will not be enough.

Industry and Trade Analyst of the Indonesian Filament Yarn and Fiber Producers Association (APSyFI) Farhan Aqil Syauqi said LSPro needs to be optimized by the government.

This is to more effectively control incoming imported products and not carelessly. "As in other countries, for example India, they make this SNI to protect their market. So this LSPro needs to be optimized," he said.

Farhan said optimization was carried out by procuring supporting laboratory equipment. In line with that, the specifications of laboratory equipment must also be in accordance with the needs of the industry.

According to Farhan, currently mandatory SNI for textiles is only available for baby clothes but APSyFI plans to include SNI for synthetic fiber and yarn products.

"There are still a lot of imported fibers and yarns, even though domestic production is sufficient. There is no caprolactam for nylon raw materials," said Farhan.

Chairman of the Indonesian Iron and Steel Industry Association (IISIA) Silmy Karim also said he would support the LSPro downsizing policy. The reason is, this institution must be closely monitored because it concerns the national interest.

"The most important thing is quality, not quantity, so like abroad there are only one or two LSPros that handle it," said Silmy.