Customs Seizes 43 Containers of Used Clothing Worth Rp 37.5 Billion at Tanjung Priok
The Ministry of Finance, together with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, has uncovered a case of illegal used clothing smuggling at Tanjung Priok Port in North Jakarta. A total of 43 containers filled with used clothing bales were secured.
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that two cases were revealed, one in Jakarta and another in West Kalimantan. The enforcement action is part of the government’s effort to uphold import regulations and protect domestic industry.
“The government is committed to taking firm action against illegal import practices that harm compliant businesses, the public, and the state,” Purbaya said in a statement on Tuesday (23/6/2026).
The operation at Tanjung Priok stemmed from intelligence regarding the suspected shipment of used clothing aboard the KM Eden Mas travelling from Pontianak to Tanjung Priok. Out of 268 containers transported by the vessel, 46 were scanned by the Customs Audit Directorate and Tanjung Priok Customs.
“The scanning results indicated that 43 containers were suspected of containing used clothing, and they were immediately sealed and subjected to further examination. As of 22 June 2026, inspection of 19 containers had uncovered 2,067 bales of used clothing, accessories, and bags. The total load across the 43 containers is estimated at 4,687 bales, with an economic value of approximately Rp 37.5 billion,” Purbaya explained.
Further development by the Customs Audit Directorate and the West Kalimantan Customs Regional Office led to another seizure. During operations conducted between 19 and 21 June 2026 at two locations, officers secured an additional 2,060 bales of illegal used clothing worth Rp 16.48 billion.
Purbaya noted that the disclosure was the result of synergy between Customs, the Indonesian National Armed Forces Strategic Intelligence Agency, the Attorney General’s Office, and the National Police’s Investigative Supervisory Corps. He stressed that law enforcement will continue.
Purbaya added that the circulation of illegally imported used clothing could cause various intangible losses. He warned that such bales could potentially spread diseases.
“The circulation of used clothing bales also risks becoming a medium for the transmission of diseases, whether from viruses or bacteria attached to the used garments. Furthermore, this practice can disrupt the national textile industry and reduce the market share of domestically produced clothing products,” he said.
Meanwhile, Director General of Customs and Excise Lieutenant General TNI Djaka Budhi Utama confirmed that his team will continue enforcement actions. Djaka stated that they will strengthen supervision of the circulation of illegal imported goods.
“This enforcement demonstrates that Customs supervision is active and measured. We urge all business actors to conduct their activities legally and comply with all customs and trade regulations,” he concluded.