The Indonesian government plans to intensify the inspection and surveillance of imports as an effort to control the soaring trade in illegal goods brought into the country, an official said here on Thursday.

Bachroel Khairi, head of policy research and development at the Trade Ministry, said that 88 of his staff have been providing training in import surveillance to port officials.

"We are focusing on preparing ourselves and optimizing import surveillance," said Bachroel, quoted by the Jakarta Globe.

The ministry would continue to take measures in line with World Trade Organization rules, including using "trade remedies" to refuse imports if they are dumped, sold at below cost price, or subsidized by the country of origin, he added.

Meanwhile, Bambang Brodjonegoro, the Finance Ministry's head of fiscal policies, admitted that Indonesia's exports are weakening and imports are rising. However, he said, the rising imports come from capital goods, which is positive for the economy because it suggests producers are making goods to re-export with value added.

The official said that if companies continue to import capital goods, the government will give incentives to local businesses to boost competitiveness.