Shopee, as a leading e-commerce platform, has served as the gateway for Indonesian consumers to access a variety of international products. Contributing to 40% of Shopee’s overall business, the Indonesian market is considered one of the most vital.

However, on October 4th, as reported by Suara USU, Shopee Indonesia announced a new policy that reverberated throughout the online shopping world by officially closing all Cross-Border store operating from abroad. This policy was implemented based on PERMENDAG Number 31 of 2023, aiming to provide equal opportunities for local products to access export markets directly.

The impact of the closure of Shopee’s Cross-Border store is significant, especially for foreign sellers who have relied on the Indonesian market. As Shopee’s largest market, foreign sellers face a significant decline in the number of Indonesian consumers they can reach. Conversely, local SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) feel a positive impact, with the opportunity to expand their market share domestically and internationally.

The closure of Shopee’s Cross-Border store presents new opportunities for local SMEs to compete more effectively. In this context, despite the halt in import activities, the government is committed to ensuring that this policy does not adversely affect Indonesia’s export activities. This provides an additional boost for local SMEs to grow and thrive in an increasingly expansive market.

However, for Shopee consumers in Indonesia, this policy brings new limitations in product choices and price ranges. Especially for students who often rely on international products due to their affordability compared to local products, the closure of Cross-Border stores may restrict their access to various categories such as women’s accessories, study essentials, dormitory equipment, phone accessories, and more.

While there are impacts felt by various parties, both foreign sellers and local consumers, this policy marks a significant change in Indonesia’s e-commerce landscape. As we move forward, new challenges and opportunities emerge, and Shopee users in Indonesia will witness an evolution in how they shop online.

Yustika Nindy Ferdiani