Minister Maman Abdurrahman blames customs misconduct as government cracks down on illegal imports and e-commerce thrifting.
Indonesia is witnessing an alarming surge in used goods imports—from just 7 tons in 2021 to a staggering 3,600 tons in 2024. The revelation, made by Minister for Cooperatives and SMEs (UMKM) Maman Abdurrahman, has prompted a government-wide crackdown on illegal imports and online thrifting activities.
Import Figures Skyrocket in Three Years
Minister Maman Abdurrahman revealed that the volume of imported secondhand goods entering Indonesia has risen exponentially—from 7 tons in 2021 to 12 tons in both 2022 and 2023, before soaring to 3,600 tons in 2024. By August 2025, imports had already reached 1,800 tons. Speaking at the Expo Keuangan dan Seminar Syariah (EKSiS) at Lippo Mall Nusantara, Jakarta, Maman highlighted the severe impact of these imports on local industries and domestic markets.
Customs Misconduct and Illegal Channels
Maman pointed to potential misconduct among customs officials who allegedly allowed illegal used goods into Indonesia. “Imported used goods are flooding our domestic market,” he warned, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting local businesses from unfair competition. The Ministry of Finance, through its Customs Directorate, has been tasked with closing smuggling routes and tightening import supervision.
Crackdown on Illegal Thrifting and E-Commerce Sales
As part of broader enforcement efforts, Maman announced that e-commerce platforms would be summoned for monitoring and verification on Friday, November 7, 2025. This follows his directive banning the sale of imported secondhand clothing online. “Stop selling used apparel immediately,” Maman insisted, noting that e-commerce operators must comply with the ban as part of the government’s strategy to eliminate illegal thrifting.
Supporting Local Producers and UMKM
The Ministry of UMKM has begun coordinating with local producers and apparel associations to substitute imported secondhand goods with domestically made products. “We’re gathering Bandung’s fashion brands, local manufacturers, and small producers to take over the market share once dominated by imported goods,” said Maman. He described the policy as a “win-win solution,” balancing enforcement with economic support for local businesses.
Reviving Indonesia’s Fashion Industry
Indonesia’s domestic fashion sector, long overshadowed by cheap imported products, stands to benefit from this policy shift. Maman believes that empowering local producers could revive once-prominent brands and stimulate new creative ventures. With a vast domestic market and growing consumer awareness, the industry could regain its competitive edge while contributing to national economic growth.
Government’s Firm Stance on Enforcement
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa reinforced the administration’s zero-tolerance stance toward illegal importers. “Anyone opposing this policy will be the first to be detained,” he declared, referring to those profiting from the illegal import trade. His comments underline a coordinated inter-ministerial effort to curb smuggling and promote local manufacturing.
Indonesia’s rapid surge in used goods imports has sparked an urgent national response to protect domestic industries and curb illegal trade. With coordinated enforcement, e-commerce regulation, and strong support for local fashion producers, the government aims to restore balance in the domestic market. For both Indonesians and regional observers, this move signals a firm step toward self-reliance, transparency, and industrial resilience.
Sources: detikcom (2025) , Gelora News (2025)
Keywords: Used Goods Import, Indonesia Trade, Thrifting Ban, UMKM Policy, Local Fashion Industry
