Indonesian Finance Minister Maintains Firm Stance Against Thrifting

Rejection of Meeting with Thrifting Traders

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has maintained his strong position against thrifting activities, refusing to meet with traders involved in selling imported used clothing. The minister was clear in his statement that importing second-hand clothing is considered an illegal activity and therefore sees no need for discussion with those engaged in it.

Rationale Behind the Firm Stance

Purbaya's decision comes after previous strong statements against thrifting, which he believes causes significant losses to the state. During a recent encounter at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs in Jakarta, he stated, "There's no case, I have a clear case - illegal goods are illegal. What is there to discuss? There's nothing!" This reflects the government's firm stance on cracking down on illegal imports and protecting local industries.

Implications for Thrifting Traders

The minister's refusal to engage in dialogue with thrifting traders signals a continued crackdown on such businesses. Traders operating in this sector may face increased scrutiny and potential legal action as the government seeks to enforce existing regulations more strictly.

Government's Position on Illegal Imports

The government's position is clear: any form of illegal import, including used clothing, will be treated as such and dealt with according to the law. This stance is part of a broader effort to protect domestic industries and ensure compliance with trade regulations.