November 21, 2025 | 01:52 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa is doubling down on his decision to crack down on illegal goods entering the country. He responded to the issue of merchants requesting the legalization of thrifting, or the commercialization of second-hand clothing.
"I don't care about the merchants. If the goods enter the country illegally, I'm stopping it," he told reporters at The Westin, Jakarta, on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
According to him, not even tax revenue from merchants could sway the government to open the market for illegally imported goods.
Purbaya said domestic demands contribute about 90 percent to the Indonesian economy, which necessitates the protection of the domestic market from the influx of foreign products. The state treasurer believes these merchants could switch to good-quality local products.
In a meeting with the People's Aspiration Body of the House of Representatives (BAM DPR), representatives of thrift sellers expressed hope for legal recognition, citing how other countries have legalized thrift businesses.
"In other, developed countries, thrifting is legalized. Why is that not the case in our country?" said Rifai Silalahi, an importer of second-hand clothes from Pasar Senen, on November 19, as virtually observed from the parliament's YouTube channel.
Rifai maintained that eradicating the thrifting business in Indonesia would leave a huge impact, as the market involved about 7.5 million people.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Maman Abdurrahman, said the government is encouraging second-hand goods sellers to consider switching their merchandise. He mentioned that until November 17, 2025, the MSMEs Ministry had gathered about 1,300 local merchants to collaborate with second-hand goods traders.
"We will soon discuss with all second-hand clothing traders to push for substitution," said Mama. According to Maman, the collaboration between local brands and thrifting sellers aims to limit the supply of second-hand goods as thrifting traders could continue their businesses without any smuggling loophole.
Alfitria Nefi Pratiwi contributed to the writing of this article.
Editor’s Choice: Indonesian Minister Champions Local Goods Amid Thrifting Craze: "Local Pride!"
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