"Regarding prohibition of 'thrifting' from Finance Ministry, we support it, including in markets across Jakarta," Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo said here on Friday.
The governor urged merchants to stop their reliance on thrifted imports and instead develop their own businesses. Thus, he has instructed relevant offices to provide training for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) so they can independently create their products.
Wibowo stressed that the secondhand clothing trade practice is harmful, and its effects are seen in some markets, such as in Tanah Abang and Senen. Hence, as form of support for central government's move, his administration vows to crack down the practice in the region.
Trade Ministry Regulation No. 40 of 2022 prohibits the import and export of certain goods, including secondhand clothes.
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has stated here on Wednesday, October 22, that he is imposing fine for imports of bundled secondhand clothes and bags. Thus, the perpetrators will face criminal charges, as well as financial penalties.
Sadewa said that fines ware included as part of the sanction because jailing the perpetrators and burning the confiscated items put heavy financial cost on the state.
"The items get destroyed and importer goes to cell. I do not get money, importer does not get fined, I end up at loss. Just spending money to burn the things, plus feeding those imprisoned people," he said.
Moreover, the offenders will be blacklisted by the government, which would permanently bar the perpetrators from ever importing items again, he added.
He noted that government has a list of importers of secondhand clothes.
The minister explained that the policy is to promote MSME-driven economy as well as create jobs, particularly in textile industry.
He ensured that the initiative will not harm the merchants, such as in Pasar Senen's case. He is confident that after firm action is taken against the illegal imports, domestic products will replace secondhand goods in the stores.
Related news: Indonesia to fine illegal secondhand clothes, bag importers
Translator: Lifia Mawaddah Putri, Mecca Yumna
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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