Purbaya Confirms 43 Containers of Used Clothing Will Be Completely Destroyed

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that all evidence from the crackdown on illegal used clothing imports in 43 containers at Tanjung Priok Port will be destroyed. “I think we will just destroy this,” Purbaya said during a press conference in Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, on Tuesday (23/6/2026). Purbaya stated he would prepare funds for the destruction, including for evidence at other ports that has not been destroyed for years. The Customs and Excise Directorate General of the Ministry of Finance uncovered two suspected cases of illegal used clothing (balepress) distribution in Jakarta and West Kalimantan. The first enforcement action was carried out in the Tanjung Priok Port area, Jakarta. Customs secured 43 containers suspected of transporting imported used clothing at Tanjung Priok Port. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa conducted a spot check on the containers carrying the balepress. Scanning results showed the 43 containers had images similar to goods from previous balepress enforcement actions. Consequently, Customs issued an Intelligence Result Note on Tuesday (16/6/2026) and sealed the containers, which were placed at the CDC Banda Temporary Storage Facility for further examination. Based on initial estimates, the 43 containers hold 4,687 balepress, with an average of 109 balepress per container. The economic value is estimated at Rp 8 million per bale, bringing the total estimated value of the goods to Rp 37.49 billion. Meanwhile, from enforcement actions in Kubu Raya and Mempawah, a joint team successfully secured 1,796 bales of illegal used clothing. In total, from the two enforcement actions in West Kalimantan, the joint team secured 2,060 bales of illegal used clothing. With an economic value of around Rp 8 million per balepress, the total value of the goods is estimated to reach Rp 16.48 billion.