- Authorities seized 19,391 bales of illegally imported second-hand clothing worth more than Rp112.3 billion (about US$7 million) from 11 warehouses in West Java.
- The two-day operation (Aug. 14–15) involved Indonesia’s trade ministry, intelligence and police agencies, and local governments.
- Officials say the trade in imported used clothing is banned and harms domestic textiles, MSMEs, and consumer health.
The Big Picture
The Indonesian government has seized tens of thousands of bales of illegally imported second-hand clothing in synchronized raids in West Java, said Trade Minister Budi Santoso, citing shipments from China, Japan, and South Korea. The news was first reported by Antara News.
What’s New
According to officials, The raids were conducted on August 14 and 15 following joint surveillance among the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), the Armed Forces’ Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS), the National Police (Polri), and local administrations, the officials said. The ministry said the crackdown is part of ongoing enforcement against banned trading of used clothing imports and would be continuous based on existing regulations..
What They’re Saying
Context
Indonesia prohibits the distribution of imported used clothing to safeguard local industries and small-scale businesses and to minimize health hazards. The ban is established under national trade law and corresponding ministry regulations on importation policy and prohibited goods, according to officials. Officials have cracked down on smuggling rings from time to time as demand for cheap clothing increases in urban markets.
What’s Next
The ministry of trade stated it will keep conducting joint enforcement with BIN, BAIS, Polri, and local administrations. Confiscated items are generally destined for destruction or other legal disposal. The public was also called on by officials to report sales of illegal products and refrain from buying imported used clothing. The Bottom Line Jakarta is tightening the screws on illicit clothing imports. West Java raids suggest a determined bid to stem the supply of second-hand clothing that undermines local producers and, the authorities warn, may present health risks to consumers.
The Bottom Line
Jakarta is turning the screws on illegal clothing imports. The raids in West Java demonstrate a concerted effort to shut down the pipeline of used clothing that is undermining local manufacturers and, according to officials, could pose a health hazard to consumers.
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