November 6, 2025 | 06:46 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Minister for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Maman Abdurrahman urged second-hand clothing, or thrifting, traders to begin transitioning toward selling locally made products.
The move, he said, is part of the government’s effort to curb the influx of imported used goods, particularly garments, into Indonesia.
“We need to empower thrifting traders and encourage them to gradually substitute their products in the future,” Maman said during an event at Balai Sarbini, Jakarta, on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
Maman explained that his ministry has opened communication with associations representing thrifting traders, although discussions on detailed substitution schemes are still ongoing.
According to Maman, the continued circulation of imported second-hand clothes in Indonesia is linked to corrupt practices involving certain officials within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise at the Ministry of Finance.
He stressed that importing used clothing is strictly prohibited under existing regulations.
“Now it is the SME Ministry’s responsibility to promote product substitution and ensure that e-commerce platforms stop selling these illegal products,” he said.
The ministry’s goal, he added, is to shift traders away from the used-clothing market, which undermines the competitiveness of domestic products. The popularity of thrifted goods, Maman acknowledged, stems from the perception that local clothing is expensive and that consumer demand remains limited.
To address this, Maman plans to collaborate with local clothing manufacturers to increase supply and affordability. He emphasized that Indonesian-made products are of high quality and capable of competing with imported ones.
“This is a breakthrough policy and a win-win solution for traders and local producers alike,” Maman said.
Editor’s Choice: Double Burden Weighs on State-Owned Banks in Prabowo's Era
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesian Minister Champions Local Goods Amid Thrifting Craze: "Local Pride!"
8 jam lalu
The Minister of MSMEs is advocating for the support of local products as an alternative to the popular thrifting trend in Bandung.
Purbaya Cracks Down on Illegal Thrift Imports, Says 'I'll Arrest Those Who Refuse First'
9 hari lalu
Responding to resistance from thrift store operators against tighter import rules, Minister Purbaya said, "Those who refuse, I will arrest first. "
Finance Minister Purbaya Warns of Blacklist for Illegal Thrift Importers
10 hari lalu
Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya announced a new regulation aimed at deterring the illegal import of second-hand clothing, also known as thrift.
ASEAN Agrees to Update Goods Trade Regulations
10 hari lalu
ASEAN agreed to update the rules of trade in goods through the Second Protocol to Amend the ATIGA Upgrade.
Indonesia's Bengkulu Coffee Secures US$1 Million Export Contract
11 hari lalu
The head of Bank Indonesia's Bengkulu branch expressed pride in the quality of Bengkulu's coffee and its recent success in securing an export deal.
MSMEs Minister Admits Indonesia Unable to Counteract Effects of Imported Goods
14 hari lalu
Indonesia's Minister of MSMEs, Maman Abdurrahman, addresses the surge of imports entering Indonesia and disrupting the local market.
Indonesia's MSME Minister Apologizes for Suggesting Fake Designer Bag Production
15 hari lalu
MSME Minister explained that his comments were intended to encourage MSMEs to learn from the strategies of large brands, rather than simply copy them.
Mining Sector Becomes Best Seller at Trade Expo Indonesia 2025
17 hari lalu
The Trade Expo Indonesia, which took place on October 15-19, 2025, recorded transactions worth US$22.8 billion or equivalent to Rp376.2 trillion.
Minister Proposes MSMEs Produce Counterfeit Branded Bags to Combat Imports
21 hari lalu
According to MSMEs Minister Maman Abdurrahman, there is no inherent problem with manufacturing counterfeit products.
Indonesia's BGN Explains Why Milk in Free Meal Program Isn't Yet 100% Local
23 hari lalu
BGN said the milk used in Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program is not yet fully locally sourced, citing scientific and long-term strategic reasons.
