RedaksiHarian – “I have ordered to investigate thoroughly. And within a day or two, many have been found. It is very disturbing for the textile industry in the country. Very disrupting,” said Jokowi after attending the inauguration of the opening of ‘Business Matching’ for domestic products in 2023.

Jokowi explained that used clothing is a prohibited item to be imported based on Minister of Trade Regulation Number 18 of 2021 as amended by Minister of Trade Regulation Number 40 of 2022 concerning Changes to Minister of Trade Regulation Number 18 of 2021 Concerning Prohibited Export and Import Goods.

Furthermore, Jokowi revealed that imported goods will disrupt the development of the domestic textile industry. “The import of used clothing is disruptive. It is very disruptive to our domestic industry,” he emphasized.

ADVERTISEMENT

As a follow-up to the President’s orders, Indonesian Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan will destroy imported used clothing worth Rp30 billion on Friday, March 17, 2023, in Pekanbaru, Riau Province. The destruction is carried out following criticism of the sale of used clothing , which is considered to harm the domestic textile industry.

“I have received seized imported used clothing in Pekanbaru; tomorrow I will burn them, and I want to go there and burn them too,” said Zulkifli Hasan .

The Indonesian government prohibits its citizens from using imported, used clothing because it can carry diseases and have unguaranteed sanitation.

“The value of the collected items is approximately Rp 30 billion. “Details tomorrow,” said Zulkifli Hasan .

Therefore, he asks the public to actively report and provide information about the trade of prohibited used goods so that the Ministry of Trade can immediately take action.

“I ask for support from local governments, police, special task forces, and information from the public because there are many underground routes that the Ministry of Trade cannot handle alone,” explained Zulkifli Hasan .

Thrifting in Indonesia is a popular activity for many people who are looking for affordable and unique clothing options. In Indonesia, thrift stores are known as “toko barang bekas” or “tukang loak” and can be found in various places, such as traditional markets, second-hand markets, and online marketplaces.

Thrifting provides an opportunity for people to express their individuality and creativity through fashion. Many people enjoy the challenge of finding unique and stylish items that they may not be able to find in regular retail stores.

However, the recent controversy surrounding the import of used clothing into Indonesia has caused concern among thrifting enthusiasts. The government has prohibited the import of used clothing due to health and safety concerns as well as to protect the domestic textile industry. This has led to the destruction of large amounts of imported used clothing and a decrease in the availability of affordable second-hand clothing .***