DPR Supports Minister Of Finance For Purbaya To Eradicate Illegal Thrifting: Opportunities For Local Industry To Rise

JAKARTA - Member of Commission XI DPR RI Charles Meikyansah, supports the steps taken by the Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadive who will eradicate illegal clothing importers (thrifting). According to him, this policy is a strategic step to strengthen the national industry as well as encourage the economic transformation of the small people.

Charles also assessed that the Minister of Finance's move reflects the Government's seriousness in maintaining the competitiveness of the domestic industry which has been depressed due to the rise of cheap imported goods. He also appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Finance in preparing additional severe sanctions for perpetrators who import used bales (ballpres) or illegal threading.

"The policy of banning imports of used clothing should be an opportunity for local industries and small people to rise, not just administrative measures. Inclusive economic transformation will strengthen the national industry as well as improve people's welfare," Charles told reporters, Friday, October 31.

Charles hopes that the policy will not stop at the aspect of law enforcement. He is the government to ensure that there are fair transitional steps for small communities that have been dependent on the trade in used clothing.

According to him, the economic transformation of the small people needs to be facilitated through a partnership between local textile and MSME industry players. That way, said Charles, Thrifting traders can switch to distributors of local products at affordable prices.

We can't just ban without giving a way out. The government needs to open access to micro capital, business training, and marketing support for traders or small businesses affected. That way, this policy not only protects big industries, but also provides opportunities for small communities to grow together. So that Thrifting traders can transform into affordable local product distributors," Charles explained.

Furthermore, Charles highlighted the importance of strengthening supervision on distribution channels so that the import ban policy runs effectively. He assessed that cross-institutional coordination must be strengthened, especially between the Ministry of Finance, Customs and Excise, and law enforcement officials.

"We also hope that this policy will be an entry point for the development of a competitive and community-based local fashion brand," said the legislator from the East Java IV electoral district.

According to Charles, Indonesia has great potential in the creative fashion sector which can develop into a new economic power.

"We want this policy not to stop at the prohibition level, but to be the beginning for a new economic ecosystem that fosters creativity, employment, and economic justice for all levels of society," Charles concluded.

As is known, Minister of Finance Purbaya emphasized the government's commitment to eradicating illegal used clothing imports that harm the national textile industry. He asked the perpetrators to immediately stop their activities and ensure law enforcement is carried out without compromise.

Purbaya said that the government is preparing more severe sanctions, including criminal penalties, destruction of evidence, and permanent blocking (blocklist) for perpetrators of imported balpres. He emphasized that he would not hesitate to take action against those who oppose the efforts to eradicate these illegal imports.

Meanwhile, based on data from the Indonesian Textile Association (API), around 70 percent of small-medium garment industry players experienced a 30 percent decline in turnover in recent years due to the swift flow of cheap imported clothing, including used products.