Government Seizes 43 Containers of Smuggled Used Clothing

The government, via the Ministry of Finance and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, has secured 43 containers indicated to contain smuggled used clothing (balpres). Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated during a press conference at the CDC Buffer Area in Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, on Tuesday that the smuggling involved two cases in Jakarta and South Kalimantan. “As of 22 June 2026, inspection of 19 containers uncovered 2,067 bales containing used clothing, accessories, and bags. The total load across the 43 containers is estimated at 4,687 bales with an economic value of approximately Rp37.5 billion,” Purbaya said. According to Purbaya, the enforcement action at Tanjung Priok Port originated from intelligence information regarding a suspected shipment of balepress via the KM Eden Mas on the Pontianak-Tanjung Priok route. Out of 268 containers transported by the vessel, 46 containers were scanned by the Directorate of Customs P2 and Tanjung Priok Customs. Subsequently, information from the Tanjung Priok enforcement was followed up with further development by the Directorate of Customs P2 and the West Kalimantan Regional Customs Office. From operations conducted on 19-21 June 2026 at two warehouse locations in Kubu Raya Regency and Mempawah Regency, West Kalimantan, the joint team intercepted and secured 2,060 bales of illegal used clothing valued at Rp16.48 billion. Purbaya emphasised that law enforcement does not stop at securing the goods. Customs is continuing to investigate to identify the parties responsible for the import, storage, and distribution of these illegal items. The government will also trace the owners of the warehouses used as storage locations in West Kalimantan and the parties linked to the ownership of the 43 containers in Jakarta. The Ministry of Finance did not calculate potential losses from import duties and taxes (PDRI), as used clothing is a prohibited import commodity under the Minister of Trade Regulation Number 47 of 2025. However, the circulation of illegal imported used clothing can cause various immaterial losses, such as damaging the nation’s image and spreading diseases from bacteria or viruses attached to the garments. “On the other hand, this practice can also disrupt the sustainability of the national textile industry and reduce the market share for domestically produced clothing products,” he said. Purbaya affirmed the commitment to continue guarding borders, monitoring the flow of goods, and enforcing the law to protect national interests, domestic industry, and the Indonesian public.