RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is tightening oversight of illegal goods entering national trade channels. A total of 43 containers suspected of carrying smuggled imported used clothing were seized during joint operations in Jakarta and West Kalimantan.

The Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, carried out the enforcement action as part of efforts to protect the national textile industry. The case emerged following two separate investigations at Tanjung Priok Port and several warehouses in West Kalimantan.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said that as of June 22, 2026, inspections of 19 containers revealed 2,067 bales of used clothing, accessories, and bags.

“The total cargo in 43 containers is estimated at 4,687 bales with an economic value of approximately IDR 37.5 billion (approx. USD 2.09 million),” Minister Purbaya stated during a press conference at the Buffer Area of Temporary Storage Facility (TPS) Cargo Distribution Center (CDC) Banda Warehouse in Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He explained that the investigation began with intelligence reports of suspected shipments aboard the deck cargo ship KM Eden Mas on the Pontianak–Tanjung Priok route. Of the 268 containers carried by the vessel, officials scanned 46 for suspected illegal cargo.

The enforcement action in Tanjung Priok was later expanded to West Kalimantan. Operations conducted June 19–21 in Kubu Raya and Mempawah regencies successfully intercepted 2,060 bales of illegally imported used clothing valued at IDR 16.48 billion.

According to Minister Purbaya, the legal process does not end with the seizure of goods. Customs continues to investigate parties involved in the importation, storage, and distribution of the garments, including warehouse owners and those linked to container ownership.

“Such practices can disrupt the sustainability of the national textile industry and reduce the market share for locally produced clothing,” Minister Purbaya said.

The government stressed that the import of used clothing is prohibited under Minister of Trade Regulation No. 47/2025. Beyond undermining the domestic industry, the circulation of these goods is considered a health risk and detrimental to the business climate. ***