It is better for us to buy new goods from domestic MSME products and send them for disaster relief. I would rather spend money on that, if necessary, than use those illegal secondhand clothes,
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has ruled out the possibility of donating seized containers of illegal used clothing to victims of the recent Sumatra disasters.

Sadewa, speaking in Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, on Friday, confirmed that the ministry would uphold regulations governing the disposal of illegal goods to prevent misuse of the system.

"We must avoid a situation where more illegal used garments flood the market simply because people think, 'It's good for disaster relief anyway'," Sadewa stated.

Instead of utilizing the seized materials, the minister stated that if the government decides to send aid, the Finance Ministry would prefer to allocate new budget funds to procure new, domestically-made goods that are more appropriate for victims.

These items would be purchased through local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

"It is better for us to buy new goods from domestic MSME products and send them for disaster relief. I would rather spend money on that, if necessary, than use those illegal secondhand clothes," he added.

The minister's statement clarifies an earlier suggestion made by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) regarding the disposal of recently seized illegal garments.

On Thursday, DJBC Communications and Guidance Director Nirwala Dwi Heryanto had indicated that the seized goods—which automatically become state assets—had options beyond just destruction.

"Destruction is only one option. If the goods are illegal, they become state assets. They can be destroyed or used for other purposes," Heryanto explained.

Generally, there are three options for dealing with seized illegal items: destruction, auction, or donation for specific purposes.

Customs officials were considering the donation option given the ongoing recovery efforts in Sumatra following recent floods and landslides.

"Perhaps our brothers and sisters (in Aceh and other affected areas) could use and benefit from them," Heryanto had commented.

Sadewa's subsequent statement serves to close the door on the donation option for the illegal garment seizure, prioritizing legal integrity and support for domestic industry over cost-saving measures in disaster aid.



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Translator: Imamatul Silfia, Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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