Government Softens Thrifting Ban, Offers Solutions for SMEs

JAKARTA, November 5, 2025 – Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs Maman Abdurahman said the government will not immediately ban thrifting (the sale of used clothing) without offering an alternative for micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The remarks were made at a press conference held by the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs.

He explained that although existing regulations prohibit the trade of used goods, a substitute product line is needed so that SMEs currently importing used clothing can switch to locally produced items. Coordinating Minister for People Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar added that imports of used clothing must be stopped, and Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa announced tighter port monitoring and a blacklist for violating importers.

The measures aim to sustain SME operations while curbing illegal used‑clothing imports, thereby protecting the domestic textile sector. Authorities will continue field monitoring and enforce actions against non‑compliant importers.