Thrifting Eid Clothing Booms at Senen Market as Doctors Warn of Health Risks
JAKARTA — Second-hand clothing shopping, or thrifting, is becoming increasingly popular ahead of Eid at Senen Market in Central Jakarta. The public’s enthusiasm for finding branded clothing at affordable prices is evident from the crowded stalls, particularly on Block III, fifth floor of the market. On Wednesday (11/3/2026), visitors were seen sifting through piles of clothing to find wearable items at discounted prices.
However, amid this trend, medical professionals are reminding the public to exercise caution when wearing secondhand clothing, especially imported garments. “We need to be careful when using secondhand clothes, especially if they’re from imports where we don’t know if they’ve been exposed to bacteria, fungi, or certain chemicals,” said a medical professional when contacted on Wednesday (11/3/2026).
The medical professional stressed that secondhand clothing should be completely free from bacteria or fungi before use. “Antiseptic treatment is necessary, and the clothes must also be free from chemicals, which requires longer soaking. So again, we must be careful when using secondhand clothes,” they explained.
According to the professional, the risks stem not only from previous use but also from storage conditions. “We don’t know how the person who wore these clothes previously treated them, and during storage, the secondhand clothing might have been damp, potentially developing mould before being sold to the public,” they noted.
The professional emphasised that thorough washing, antiseptic soaking, and ensuring that clothes are completely dry and clean are important steps before wearing secondhand garments.
Amid rising prices for basic necessities, Senen Market has become a destination for residents to maintain a stylish appearance without spending large sums. Many shoppers reported being able to purchase three to five items of clothing for approximately 100,000 Rupiah. The selection of thrifted clothing is diverse, ranging from tops, bottoms such as skirts and trousers, to blazers, hoodies, jackets, undergarments, and shoes.