Jakarta, IO – Thrifting, or sales of imported used clothing, has been in the spotlight after President Joko Widodo banned the practice because it disrupted the domestic textile industry.
The ban was also welcomed by the Indonesian Textile Association (API) of Central Java. Its chairman Dewanto Kusuma Wibowo acknowledged that thrifting has long been a scourge, especially for Indonesian MSMEs, reported Suara, Friday (17/3).
In his view, the government’s firm action has made the domestic textile players felt relieved because they are now focusing on expanding in the local market beset by influx of imported goods.
“We are pinning our hope on the local market because now the export market is still quite difficult. The local market will be impacted if it is filled with imported goods,” he said, adding that thrifting also pose a health risk from imported diseases.
Read: The deserted scene of Blok G Tanah Abang textile market
Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan said he will immediately follow up on President Jokowi’s directive. (un)