18 Apr 2023

techUK signs Multi-Association Letter on Indonesian Ministry of Finance Regulation 190

techUK joins other tech and business trade associations in expressing its concerns with the Indonesian government‘s new Ministry of Finance Regulation No. 190.

Regulation 190 imposes new customs obligations on imports of intangible goods, such as digital tools, knowledge and content which is transmitted electronically across borders. These barriers to trade increase costs and uncertainty, which prevents the development of the Indonesian digital sector.

techUK, along with trade bodies from the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and the US, condemn this move. Unfortunately, this will not just impact foreign businesses, but also limit the access of Indonesians to global services and hurt Indonesian MSMEs and start-ups. A joint study by the OECD and ECIPE show that this move will increase prices and social welfare costs, decrease GDP, and leave Indonesia at risk of retaliatory trade measures, which may not be digitally-based.

We urge the Government of Indonesia to provide greater clarity on the coverage of the intangible goods that are subject to customs duties and the procedural details of the implementation such as a timeline.

If Indonesia were to reverse these counterproductive measures, and engage in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and WTO e-commerce tariff moratorium, the Indonesian digital sector would see a much greater level of investment.

Please find the full letter here.

If members have any questions, please reach out to the techUK trade team via [email protected]

Daniel Clarke

Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK

Dan joined techUK as a Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade in March 2023.

Before techUK, Dan worked for data and consulting company GlobalData as an analyst of tech and geopolitics. He has also worked in public affairs, political polling, and has written freelance for the New Statesman and Investment Monitor.

Dan has a degree in MSc International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA Geography degree from the University of Sussex.

Outside of work, Dan is a big fan of football, cooking, going to see live music, and reading about international affairs.

Email:: [email protected]

Read lessmore

Sabina Ciofu

International Policy and Strategy Lead, techUK

Sabina Ciofu is International Policy and Strategy Lead at techUK, where she heads the International Policy and Trade Programme. Based in Brussels, she shapes global tech policy, digital trade, and regulatory cooperation across the EU, US, Canada, Asia-Pacific, and the Gulf region. She drives strategy, advocacy, and market opportunities for UK tech companies worldwide, ensuring their voice is heard in international policy debates.

With nearly a decade of previous experience as a Policy Advisor in the European Parliament, Sabina brings deep expertise in tech regulation, trade policy, and EU–US relations. Her work focuses on navigating and influencing the global digital economy to deliver real impact for members.

A passionate community-builder, Sabina co-founded Young Professionals in Digital Policy (800+ members) and now runs Old Professionals in Digital Policy (more experience, better wine, earlier nights). She is also the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club, a network of 500+ women supporting each other with kindness.

She holds advisory roles with the UCL European Institute, Café Transatlantique (a network of women in transatlantic tech policy), and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club for women.

Recognised by ComputerWeekly as one of the most influential women in UK tech, Sabina is also a sought-after public speaker on tech, trade and diversity.

Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.

She is a frequent traveler and a marathon runner.

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: +32 473 323 280
Website:: www.techuk.org

Read lessmore

Theophile Maiziere

Policy Manager - EU, techUK

Theo joined techUK in 2024 as EU Policy Manager. Based in Brussels, he works on our EU policy and engagement.

Theo is an experienced policy adviser who has helped connect EU and non-EU decision makers.

Prior to techUK, Theo worked at the EU delegation to Australia, the Israeli trade mission to the EU, and the City of London Corporation’s Brussels office. In his role, Theo ensures that techUK members are well-informed about EU policy, its origins, and its implications, while also facilitating valuable input to Brussels-based decision-makers.

Theo holds and LLM in International and European law, and an MA in European Studies, both from the University of Amsterdam.

Email:: [email protected]
Website:: www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:: linkedin.com/in/théophile-maiziere-a32772111

Read lessmore

Lewis Walmesley-Browne

Head of Market Access and Consumer Tech, techUK

Lewis' programmes cover a range of policy areas within Market Access (international trade regulation, sanctions and export controls, technical standards and product compliance, supply chains) and Consumer Tech (media and broadcast policy, consumer electronics, and connected home technology).

Prior to joining techUK, Lewis worked in government affairs and policy roles for international trade associations in Southeast Asia including the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia.

He holds an undergraduate degree in Social and Political Sciences from the University of Cambridge and an MSc in Public Policy & Management from SOAS University of London.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-walmesley-browne/

Read lessmore

Tess Newton

Team Assistant, Policy and Public Affairs, techUK

Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.

Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the 2024 Local and General Election, and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation on defence and international secuirty. She has worked for multiple charities, on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In 2023, Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.