Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Indonesian government successfully thwarted an illegal textile smuggling operation worth approximately IDR 83 billion (around $5.3 million), suspected to have originated from China, through entry points in Kalimantan.
Minister of Trade Budi Santoso announced that the illicit goods were seized during two major operations involving the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) of the National Police, and other relevant government agencies.
The coordinated surveillance took place in Surabaya and Patimban, leading to the confiscation of 1,663 packages of textiles, including used clothing bales, new garments, and fabric rolls, with an estimated value of IDR 8.3 billion ($530,000).
“The influx of illegal goods that bypass regulations is a common enemy. These illegal products hinder the growth of our domestic industries, particularly the textile sector,” Budi Santoso emphasized during a press conference at the Ministry of Trade on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
Read Also:
Indonesia’s eFishery Rocked by Financial Fraud Allegations Involving Top Executives
The first crackdown occurred on January 13, 2025, when the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) and the Surabaya Port Authority (BPTN) secured 463 bales of China illegal textile at a warehouse located on Jalan Kalimas Baru No. 60G, Surabaya. The second operation took place on January 30, 2025, when authorities intercepted the vessel KMP Ferindo 5 from Pontianak at Patimban Port, Subang. The ship was carrying three trucks loaded with 1,200 bales of used clothes, new garments, and fabric rolls.
“These goods violate several regulations, including Minister of Trade Regulation No. 40 of 2022, which bans the import and export of certain goods, and Minister of Trade Regulation No. 8 of 2024 concerning import policies,” Budi explained.
The government continues to intensify its efforts to combat smuggling, which threatens the competitiveness of local industries. Authorities urge the public to report suspicious activities to help safeguard Indonesia’s economic stability.
(Becky)
