“These goods will disrupt the domestic industry, the textile sector, as well as our MSMEs,” Budi said in Bandung, West Java, on Tuesday.
According to Budi, imported used clothing are prohibited because they violate Law No. 7 of 2014 on Trade, as well as the Ministry of Trade’s regulations regarding import policies and prohibited goods.
“Many of our industries cannot compete. Moreover, consumers are not protected because these secondhand clothes are actually unfit for use from a health perspective,” he added.
The Trade Ministry has confiscated 19,391 bales of secondhand clothing valued at over IDR 112.3 billion (aroung US$6.89 million) during August 14–15, 2025, from 11 warehouses storing imported secondhand garments (thrifting) across West Java.
“All of these items are imported secondhand clothes from South Korea, Japan, and China. The total value of these illegal goods reaches IDR 112.3 billion,” Budi said.
He detailed that the confiscations took place at three warehouses in Bandung City with 5,130 bales worth IDR 24.75 billion, five warehouses in Bandung District with 8,061 bales worth IDR 44.2 billion, and three warehouses in Cimahi City with 6,200 bales worth IDR 43.4 billion.
He also called on the public to support efforts to eradicate the illegal trade of imported secondhand clothing.
“Let us work together to combat these illegal goods that clearly harm us all,” he said.
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Translator: Rubby, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Arie Novarina
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
