Imported Eyewear Floods Indonesia, Sold Cheaply with Lenses and Frames for a Pittance

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has revealed that optical imports are one of the contributors to total consumer imports in Indonesia. Deputy for Methodology and Statistical Information at BPS, Pudji Ismartini, explained that imports of optical, cinematographic, and medical goods rose by 50.36%, marking the largest increase for consumer imports after imported fruit, which surged by 109.32%. ‘Consumer imports rose by 42.90%, driven by fruit imports up 109.32%. Meanwhile, optical, cinematographic, and medical imports rose by 50.36%,’ Pudji said during a press conference. The category of optical goods may include spectacles, including lenses and frames. It is understood that the majority of raw materials for spectacles in Indonesia are still imported from abroad. A field observation at Pasar Senen in Jakarta found numerous outlets selling spectacles, concentrated in Pasar Senen Block III and Senen Jaya 1 and 2, with traders offering affordable prices. When asked about the origin of the spectacles, several traders said they came from China. ‘Most of the spectacles here are imported from China. For frames, we actually use standard ones so the price can be affordable,’ said trader Dina. In her shop, a standard package including frames and lenses is priced at Rp150,000, with higher-quality options costing more. ‘There are also photochromic ones, priced at Rp250,000, inclusive of lenses and frames,’ she added. Dina stated that her shop holds a licence from the Ministry of Health for the spectacle trading business. ‘We have the licence from the Health Ministry, and we also have health workers here to check eyes for those who want to make spectacles here,’ she said. A similar situation was observed at another shop in the area. ‘Everything here starts at Rp150,000 for the standard package, including lenses and frames,’ said Yusuf, who also offers free eye tests for customers. He confirmed that most spectacles, both lenses and frames, originate from China. ‘Most of the stuff here is from China. Although the lenses carry well-known brand names, they are not genuine, because if they were authentic, the price would be very expensive,’ he remarked.