Thrifting (imported used clothing)

[Dave70]

Indonesia prohibits the importation of used clothing since 2015 (ban was reinforced in 2021 and further amended/reaffirmed in 2022).

But imports not only continue but have grown so much that thrift stores are now mushrooming all over the country. The price for each shipping container is reportedly 550 million rupiah, paid as bribe to Customs people. The Finance Minister is asking for proof from importers. Actually, the evidence is compelling, how can prohibited goods enter the country if there is no corruption in Customs? The facts speaks for themselves.

 

[pantaiema]

If you look solely at the regulations designed to raise barriers against imported goods entering Indonesia, the country is likely among the strictest, if not the strictest in the world. Consider the USD 500 limit on carry on goods in passengers’ luggage, or the IMEI-locking policy for mobile phones.

The authorities act as if they didn’t understand the root cause of the problem, deliberately focusing on the wrong factors just want to appear tough or to show they are taking action.

Look at this recent issue IMIP Airport in Morowali Papua. It is an international airport, but no custom control and have been used to smuggle a lot of imported goods. People must be very naive if they think the custom official did not get involved. As usual they just start put custom in place after the case going viral on the media and embarrass them (if they still have shame)

Until strong measures are implemented against corruption such as asset confiscation and even the death penalty for large-scale corruption don’t expect any meaningful change. Indonesia need a death penalty as a shock therapy to break this culture the scheme which has been proven to be working in China.

 

[Dave70]

Thrift business owners are lobbying the government to "legalize" the illegal importation of used clothing, in the meantime, local textile industries are either shutting down or cutting their workforce and they are blaming the illegal imports entering the country.