Minister Urges Thrift Stores to Use Local Goods

JAKARTA, October 27, 2025 – The Indonesian government will tighten monitoring of used‑clothing (balpres) imports at ports and airports. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa affirmed that balpres is prohibited and monitoring will be intensified.

Purbaya said balpres depresses market prices, making it hard for domestic textile producers to compete. He proposed harsher penalties, such as blacklisting importers, and tasked the Directorate General of Customs and Excise to seize importers at entry points.

If implemented, the supply of balpres should decline and thrift stores are expected to switch to local products, supporting the domestic textile sector and small‑medium enterprises. Importers of balpres will face increased risk of severe punishment.