One of the efforts carried out by the minister has been to coordinate with related stakeholders while preparing a solution for the affected sellers of illegally imported used clothing so that they can switch to a new business.
“Today, we invite the distributors and traders of illegal used clothing in Indonesia. We also invite owners of domestic MSMEs," Masduki informed at a meeting on the illegal imports of used clothing into Indonesia, which was held in Jakarta on Thursday.
The minister said that traders who have already taken and sold illegally imported used clothing are still being permitted to sell the rest of their products. In fact, the ministry is preparing a settlement solution scheme for sellers of illegally imported used clothing, starting from opening a complaint hotline to preparing local substitute products and access to financing.
He also explained the difference in understanding regarding the ban on illegal used clothing imports between the government and the public.
"The government is fighting the practice of smuggling of used clothes from foreign countries that are illegally entering Indonesia," he said.
During the meeting, a businessperson and influencer, Jeffry Jouw, expressed his agreement with the government's policy regarding the ban on illegal imports of used goods.
"Thrifting is legal, buying second-hand goods is okay, selling second-hand goods is okay, but importing second-hand goods illegally from abroad is prohibited and I agree," he said.
A brand activist named Handoko concurred, saying that the illegal imports of used clothes have the potential to disrupt the ecosystem of young people's expectations of local brands.
"These brands will grow if there is awareness from consumers about sourcing and traceability. What we buy must provide meaningful use and do not forget the branding of the product itself," he said.
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Translator: Kuntum Khaira R, Resinta S
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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