Jakarta. The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Ministry and the Trade Minsitry have reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening protection and empowerment for MSMEs as part of a broader strategy to boost national economic growth.

MSME Minister Maman Abdurrahman said the government aims to ensure that local businesses thrive in their own country.

“The MSME Ministry, together with the Trade Ministry, wants to ensure optimal protection and empowerment for MSMEs. This synergy is crucial so they can grow faster, become more competitive, and truly become hosts in their own homeland,” Maman said after meeting the Trade Minister in Jakarta on Monday.

The move follows presidential directives to crack down on illegal imports of secondhand clothing, which have circulated widely among traders. Maman said the government aims to safeguard business continuity by promoting the substitution of imported goods with local products.

“We are pushing for comprehensive policies so that traders, from thrift sellers to MSMEs and local producers, can continue running their businesses. They are domestic entrepreneurs, and we must protect them,” he said.

As part of this commitment, the MSME Ministry has consolidated around 1,300 local brands to replace illegally imported secondhand goods.

“I told the Trade Minister that we have consolidated roughly 1,300 local brands. We hope this substitution process can be accelerated,” Maman said.

The government’s enforcement efforts will extend beyond secondhand clothing to other imported products, including those from China, that have the potential to cannibalize the MSME market.

“This is not just about imported used clothing. Imported products that threaten the sustainability of domestic MSMEs will also be regulated,” he said.

He added that protecting domestic interests remains the government’s top priority.

“Our focus is clear: to protect and strengthen domestic interests,” Maman said.

Meanwhile, Trade Minister Budi Santoso said the collaboration between the two ministries aims to help MSMEs scale up. The Trade Ministry has supported this effort through its programs, including the MSMEs Dare to Innovate, Ready to Adapt initiative (UMKM BISA Ekspor).

He added that both ministries will continue aligning policies to enhance MSME competitiveness.

“We continue to coordinate to strengthen MSME competitiveness through collaborative programs, including the UMKM BISA Ekspor initiative. From a policy standpoint, both ministries are synchronizing approaches that support MSME growth,” Budi said.