Customs Seals 43 Containers of Illegally Imported Used Clothing
The Ministry of Finance’s Customs and Excise Directorate has uncovered two cases of alleged circulation of illegally imported used clothing (balepress) in Jakarta and West Kalimantan. The first enforcement action was taken against 43 containers suspected of containing illegally imported used clothing at Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta. Meanwhile, the second action targeted two warehouse locations in West Kalimantan suspected of being large-scale stockpiling sites for balepress.
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa explained that the uncovering of the case at Tanjung Priok originated from intelligence information received by Customs regarding the suspected shipment of imported used clothing aboard the KM Eden Mas, travelling from Dwikora Port in Pontianak to Tanjung Priok Port. Based on the investigation, the vessel was carrying a total of 268 containers, consisting of 222 empty containers and 46 loaded containers. In the declaration documents, the cargo was recorded as instant noodles, general cargo, and household relocation goods.
When the KM Eden Mas docked at Tanjung Priok Port on 15 June 2026, a joint team from the Directorate of Enforcement and Investigation (P2) of Customs, together with Tanjung Priok Customs, monitored the unloading process and scanned all 46 loaded containers. The scan results showed that 43 containers displayed images similar to goods from previous balepress enforcement actions uncovered by Customs. “The scan results indicated that 43 containers were suspected of containing balepress, and they were immediately sealed for further examination,” said Purbaya during a press conference on the enforcement action against containers of used clothing at Tanjung Priok Port on Tuesday (23/6).
As of 22 June 2026 at 17.00 WIB, physical examinations had been conducted on 19 of the 43 sealed containers. From these examinations, officers found 2,067 bales containing various types of used clothing, clothing accessories, and bags. Meanwhile, the remaining 24 containers are still undergoing in-depth examination. Based on initial estimates, the total quantity of goods in the 43 containers is expected to reach 4,687 bales, with an average of 109 bales per container. “With an economic value of approximately Rp8 million per bale, the total value of the goods is estimated to reach Rp37.496 billion,” Purbaya stated.
As a follow-up, on 16 June 2026, Customs issued an Intelligence Result Note (NHI) for the 43 containers. Subsequently, the containers were sealed and stored at the CDC Banda Temporary Storage Yard for further examination. Purbaya said the successful uncovering of the two cases demonstrates the increasingly strong synergy between Customs’ intelligence, surveillance, and enforcement functions in monitoring the circulation of illegal goods.
Echoing this, Director General of Customs and Excise Letjen TNI (Ret.) Djaka Budhi Utama affirmed that his agency will continue to strengthen supervision of the entry and circulation of illegal imported goods, including used clothing. “This enforcement action is a tangible form of our commitment to protecting domestic industry, maintaining a healthy business climate, and ensuring compliance with customs laws and regulations by all business actors,” said Djaka.
The uncovering of the case in West Kalimantan was a result of developments from the enforcement action carried out by Tanjung Priok Customs. The Customs P2 Directorate then conveyed information to the West Kalimantan Regional Customs Office to trace the origin of the goods suspected of being illegally imported used clothing. On 18 June 2026, a joint team conducted an in-depth investigation into the loading point and several locations suspected of being goods stockpiling warehouses in the Pontianak area and its surroundings. The investigation led officers to a warehouse in the Jalan Extra Joss warehouse complex in Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan.
During an inspection on 19 June 2026, officers found four trucks unloading 264 bales of illegal used clothing. The entire cargo was then intercepted and secured at the West Kalimantan Regional Customs Office for further examination. The case development continued on 21 June 2026 with the inspection and sealing of a warehouse in the Mempawah area. At this location, officers found 2,060 bales of illegal used clothing, which were subsequently secured for further investigation. From the two enforcement locations in West Kalimantan, the joint team secured a total of 2,060 bales of illegal used clothing. With an economic value of approximately Rp8 million per bale, the total value of the goods is estimated to reach Rp16.48 billion.
Djaka stated that the legal enforcement process does not stop at securing the goods. Currently, Customs is still conducting in-depth investigations to identify the parties responsible for the importation, storage, and distribution of the illegal used clothing. “We are currently tracing and pursuing the parties suspected of being responsible, including the owner of the warehouse used as a stockpiling location in West Kalimantan and the parties related to the ownership of the 43 containers in Jakarta,” he said. According to Djaka, the entire legal enforcement process will be carried out professionally, transparently, and without discrimination in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.