Indonesia deploys measures to protect MSMEs in garment & textile sector

Indonesia deploys measures to protect MSMEs in garment & textile sector (Photo: thejakartapost.com)

Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesian Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Minister Teten Masduki said the country will strictly deploy measures to prevent the sale and purchase of imported used clothes to protect textile micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Speaking at a media discussion on March 13, the minister revealed that the rejection has also stemmed from a desire to protect shoe textile products, which are also being produced by many MSMEs and the government has a very strong argument for rejecting the imports of used clothes.

Teten Masduki said that the imports of used and illegal textile products would not align with the government's effort to encourage local product consumption through the Proud of Indonesian Products National Movement.

Through the national movement, the government has issued a policy mandating 40% spending on MSME products in goods procurement.

According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), on account of this policy, national economic growth could reach 1.85% and 2 million jobs could be created without new investment.

The minister said he believes that if similar efforts are made when it comes to household consumption, national economic growth will improve.

He noted , the thrifting import trend would also eliminate jobs because textile is a labor-intensive industry.

He also urged customs to be more stringent and improve their monitoring of the illegal entry of used clothes that have been banned by the Trade Minister’s Regulation No. 40 in 2022./