The rejection has also stemmed from a desire to protect shoe textile products, which are also being produced by many MSMEs, he said during a media discussion at his ministry’s office here on Monday.
The government has a very strong argument for rejecting the imports of used clothes, he added.
Masduki said that the imports of used and illegal textile products would not align with the government's effort to encourage local product consumption through the Proud of Indonesian Products National Movement.
Through the national movement, the government has issued a policy mandating 40-percent spending on MSME products in goods procurement.
On account of this policy, national economic growth could reach 1.85 percent and 2 million jobs could be created without new investment, Statistics Indonesia (BPS) has estimated.
The minister said he believes that if similar efforts are made when it comes to household consumption, national economic growth will improve.
Further, the import thrifting trend would also eliminate jobs because the textile industry is a labor-intensive industry that involves many workers, he explained.
Masduki urged customs to be more stringent and improve their monitoring of the illegal entry of used imported clothes that have been banned by the Trade Minister’s Regulation No. 40 of 2022.
"It is actually not difficult (to trace where such clothes are sold) since we have already investigated it. In addition through social media, they are also available in Pasar Senen, Gedebage, and Pasar Baru," he noted.
"From there, it will be easier to identify who imports them," he added.
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Translator: Kuntum Khaira R, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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