Jakarta. Indonesian customs authorities have uncovered two major cases of alleged illegal used-clothing imports in Jakarta and West Kalimantan, including 43 shipping containers carrying secondhand garments valued at an estimated Rp 37.5 billion ($2.1 million), Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said on Tuesday.

The seizures are part of a broader government effort to enforce import regulations, protect domestic industries, and ensure fair competition, Purbaya said during a press conference at Tanjung Priok Port, Indonesia’s largest seaport.

The Jakarta case stemmed from intelligence reports regarding suspected shipments of used clothing aboard the cargo vessel KM Eden Mas, which was traveling from Pontianak in West Kalimantan to Tanjung Priok.

Customs officers scanned 46 loaded containers from a total of 268 containers transported by the vessel. The inspection identified 43 containers suspected of containing used clothing, prompting authorities to seal the containers and launch a more detailed examination.

“The total cargo contained in the 43 containers is estimated at 4,687 bales, with an economic value of approximately Rp 37.5 billion,” Purbaya said.

The discovery followed an earlier enforcement operation conducted between June 19 and June 21 in warehouses located in Kubu Raya and Mempawah regencies in West Kalimantan.

During that operation, a joint task force seized 2,060 bales of illegal used clothing with an estimated value of Rp 16.48 billion ($925,000).

Purbaya said customs authorities will continue investigating to identify parties responsible for importing, storing, and distributing the goods.

The government is tracing the owners of the warehouses used to store the clothing in West Kalimantan, as well as individuals or entities linked to the 43 containers seized in Jakarta.

“All law enforcement actions will be carried out professionally, transparently, and without favoritism in accordance with prevailing regulations,” Purbaya said.

Indonesia prohibits the importation of used clothing under Trade Ministry Regulation No. 47 of 2025.

Officials argue that illegal imports of secondhand garments can harm the domestic textile industry by reducing market opportunities for locally manufactured products. The government also contends that such imports carry potential health risks because viruses and bacteria may remain on used apparel.

Beyond the economic and health concerns, authorities say the continued influx of illegal used clothing could damage Indonesia’s image by reinforcing perceptions that the country serves as a destination for discarded goods from abroad.

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