TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's policy on banning imports of used clothing gained support from the Democrat Party. The Party asserted that imports of used clothing will turn Indonesia into a waste center for other countries.

"The prolific increase of used clothing import can terminate local industry. Therefore, the government's policy must become our attention to support the development and welfare of domestic textile micro, small, and medium enterprises," said Chairman of the Democrat Party fraction of the House of Representatives Edhie Baskoro on Friday, March 17, 2023.

Edhie explained that the ban on used clothing import is regulated in Minister of Trade Regulation No. 40 of 2022 concerning the Amendment of Minister of Trade Regulation No. 18 of 2021 concerning Goods Forbidden for Export and Goods Forbidden for Import. Edhie hoped that ban on used clothing imports can be enforced to protect micro, small, and medium enterprises, especially within the textile industry.

"In addition, as we know that imported used clothing can endanger the health of its users," Edhie said.

Furthermore, Edhie mentioned that the eradication of used clothing import cannot be done only through restrictions. Edhie suggested the government pay close attention and provide assistance to the domestic industry. Edhie explained that assistance can be provided by providing facilities from the government to propel the domestic textile industry to the international market.

Jokowi Expressed Annoyance

Previously, President Jokowi had expressed his annoyance over used clothing import and restrict imports of used clothing. Jokowi asserted that used clothing import will hinder domestic textile industry.

"Used clothing import disturbs domestic textile industry, very annoying. Import of used clothing is so annoying, very annoying," Jokowi said repeatedly.

Jokowi said that he had requested the respective institution to track down the used clothing import business. According to Jokowi, several business owners have been arrested.

"I have given instructions to search for [used clothing businesses] and in the past few days, several were discovered," Jokowi said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan said that his ministry will take firm action against used clothing businesses. Zulkifli asserted that used clothing import harms the domestic textile business, and has the potential to bring disease.

Zulkifli also said that used clothing import has caused losses to the country up to billions of Rupiah and affected export. He encouraged the public to report any activity of used clothing business.

"I don't know [the center of used clothing business], give us the data. We need proof before we follow up," Zulkifli said.

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH

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