Trading of smuggled used clothes lucrative in Sikka
Jacob J. Herin, Maumere
Trading of used clothing smuggled from Singapore has become a lucrative business on Flores and Lembata islands in East Nusa Tenggara.
The business is attractive as it requires little capital but offers huge profits, while consumers benefit from the low prices of the clothing.
Those who usually engage in this kind of business are people from Lemana, Palue, Kojadoi Besar and Kojadoi Kecil islands in Maumere, the capital of Sikka regency.
They operate warehouses in several places like Maumere and Pemana island, about six kilometers west of Maumere.
One trader travels to Singapore frequently by boat to buy second-hand clothes, based on orders from local buyers.
In Maumere, a bale consisting of 120 articles of clothing is sold for Rp 300,000 (US$35).
Some traders told The Jakarta Post recently that they encountered no difficulty in bringing their goods into the islands because they paid customs and excise, port police and navy officials.
Ibu Sudirman, 29, a trader in Maumere's Old Market, said that she was happy with the illegal business because she could sell used clothes at low prices, and could reap more profits particularly on holidays.
She said she would buy a bale of between 120 and 130 clothes for Rp 300,000 and sell it for Rp 350,000. She could gain more profits if she sold the clothing by piece.
When asked whether she was afraid of the authorities at the Sadang Buri port in Maumere, she said that there was no problem.
"We have given navy, port police and customs officials some payoffs. Every time used clothes arrive from Pemana island, we are obliged to pay them Rp 2,000 per bale. If we don't pay, they will seize our merchandise," she said.
Similar accounts were told by Mirnawar and Mahmud Kedang. Both have been in the business for many years. "We know them well. There is no problem between us. The important thing is that we have to fulfill their demands," Mirnawar said.
Another trader, Siprianus Geo Gapun, said that whenever a shipment arrived from Singapore, customs officials would surely come to Wuring port.
After the cargo is unloaded and stored in a warehouse, they would immediately inspect the cargo and demand payment from the owners.
Siprianus said that customs officials were also willing to meet traders at their homes to ask for payment.
"When an envelop of cash is handed over to them, they will pretend not to accept it, saying that they are not allowed to accept payment. But they still take it and go," said Siprianus.
Sikka regental administration secretary Dominikus Parera said that it was the duty of the customs and excise office to eradicate such smuggling activities.
"The customs office has the authority to fight smuggling. If they think used clothes smuggled in from Singapore cause losses for the government, they should think of ways to eliminate the practice," he said.
Head of the Sikka customs office Muhamad Yatim said at his office in the Maumere port complex that he was concerned about the rampant smuggling of used clothes from Singapore.
"There are two alternatives. First, we eradicate smuggling, but we're worried residents will protest. Second, if we take firm action against smugglers, many of the residents here who are poor will not be able to afford to buy clothes anymore," he said.
Apart from that, the local customs office complained of a lack of manpower and facilities such as vessels to hunt down smugglers.
There are only 10 men working at the Sikka customs office, with a working zone encompassing West Manggarai, East Flores, Lembata and Alor regencies.
The office's only means of transportation is an 80 horse-power speed boat deemed too small and not powerful enough to apprehend boats in the open seas, claimed Yatim.