TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita will ask for the help of the Singaporean government in investigating the illegally-imported second-hand shoes from the country that has ended up in Indonesian thrift markets.

Agus suspected these imported shoes were brought into Indonesia in an organized manner.

“Yes, [allegedly someone is organizing the smuggle] this is why the government of Singapore should also assist us in unraveling it,” said the Minister at the Jakarta International Expo on March 9.

He said he would immediately communicate with the Singaporean government to investigate this case. Nevertheless, Agus emphasized that his ministry is tasked with developing the industry, not overseeing the trade aspect.

He considered this to be a major scandal, especially amidst the domestic footwear industry experiencing a contraction. The domestic footwear industry is experiencing a decline in sales due to falling demand from the export market.

This condition occurs because Indonesia's main export markets, such as the United States and Europe, are experiencing high inflation. Plus the threat of a global recession is rumored to occur this year.

This case was uncovered after a Singaporean journalist conducted an investigation into a sustainability project being held in his country. The journalist traced where the used shoes donated by the community to the project went, which apparently, were found ending up in Indonesian flea markets.

RIANI SANUSI PUTRI

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