inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The government, through the Ministry of Finance and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, has seized 43 containers suspected of containing illegally imported used clothing during an operation in Jakarta and West Kalimantan.
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa explained that as of June 22, 2026, inspections of 19 containers revealed 2,067 bales containing used clothing, clothing accessories, and bags. The total cargo contained in the 43 containers is estimated at 4,687 bales with an economic value of approximately IDR 37.5 billion.
"As of June 22, 2026, inspections of 19 containers revealed 2,067 bales containing used clothing, clothing accessories, and bags. The total cargo contained in the 43 containers is estimated at 4,687 bales with an economic value of approximately IDR 37.5 billion," the Minister of Finance stated in a press conference on Tuesday (June 23, 2026).
According to him, the case at Tanjung Priok Port began with intelligence information regarding the alleged shipment of presidential clothing on the KM Eden Mas, en route from Pontianak to Tanjung Priok.
Of the 268 containers transported by the ship, 46 were scanned by Customs.
The case then expanded to West Kalimantan. During an operation from June 19–21, 2026, in Kubu Raya and Mempawah Regencies, a joint team successfully seized 2,060 bales of illegal used clothing worth IDR 16.48 billion.
The Minister of Finance emphasized that law enforcement does not stop with the confiscation of goods, but will continue with the investigation of those responsible for the importation, storage, and distribution of these illegal goods.
"Customs continues to conduct an in-depth investigation to identify those responsible for the importation, storage, and distribution of these illegal goods," he said.
The Minister of Finance added that used clothing is a commodity prohibited from being imported according to the Minister of Trade Regulation Number 47 of 2025.
In addition to potentially carrying bacteria and viruses that endanger public health, the circulation of illegally imported used clothing is also considered to disrupt the sustainability of the national textile industry and reduce the market share of domestic products.
(ad/ndt/pr/rs)
