"We have asked IG to take down (the account selling thrifted clothes). All global platforms, including them, must follow the Indonesian government's regulations," he noted in a press conference here on Tuesday.
Masduki assessed that the sale of imported used clothing, including its smuggling activities, violated Trade Ministerial Regulation No. 40 of 2022 concerning Goods Prohibited from Exports and Goods Prohibited from Imports.
In addition, the sale of imported thrifted clothing can harm micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the minister stated.
That way, any seller of those banned goods and the provider of the platform can be criminalized.
"(It is) because trading illegal goods is a criminal offense," he explained.
He called on Instagram and other digital platforms that facilitate the sale of imported used clothing to comply with applicable laws in Indonesia.
According to Masduki, Instagram should commit to preventing the trade of illegal goods, as it is responsible for the content displayed on the platform.
He noted that the European Union has the Digital Service Act that prohibits illegal content and trade on social media platforms.
Although Indonesia does not yet have a similar regulation, his ministry has called on Instagram to commit to maintaining ethical practices in the digital space.
Masduki remarked that his ministry is cooperating with the Trade Ministry, Customs and Excise, and law enforcement officials to prevent the entry of illegal goods, including thrifted clothing, into Indonesia.
Earlier, the government had removed thousands of links selling imported used clothing on e-commerce and social commerce platforms.
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Translator: Bayu S, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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