PT Sri Rejeki Isman Tbk (SRIL) alias Sritex hopes that illegal imports of textile products can be curbed. Sritex Corporate Secretary Welly Salam confirmed that the company's domestic sales of fabrics and apparel were also affected by the rampant illegal action. "Of course, there are procedures for everything. (Hopefully) the procedures are followed. Of course, we also hope that the Indonesian people will love Indonesian products more," said Wellt, Monday (27/3). Little information, based on data from BI, BPS and APSyFI, processed by Indotexile, the number of imports of illegal textile products will reach 320,000 tons in 2022 or an increase compared to the previous year which was 285,000 tons.

Imports of illegal textile products in 2022 are equivalent to 16,000 containers per year or 1,333 containers per month.

Despite selling for exports, Sritex also sells domestically. Taking a peek at the company's interim financial reports, Sritex's total sales of yarn, finished fabric, apparel and raw fabrics reached US$ 182.43 million during January-September 2022. This amount is equivalent to 38.47% of Sritex's total consolidated sales in that period.

Sritex's domestic sales target various market segments, including the MSME and factory segments. That is why Sritex's domestic sales are also affected by the import of illegal textile products.

"The name is illegal, the tax procedure and others are not appropriate, of course it is disturbing not only for us," said Wellly.

According to Welly, Sritex has developed a number of strategies to maintain performance. One of them is reclaiming the domestic market niche by controlling the import of illegal textile products.

Apart from that, Sritex is also in the process of discussing plans to explore new market targets outside of Europe.

The targeted areas include Asia and South America. The consideration is the conductivity of these regions which are believed to be more stable than Europe.

“If we look at Asia, it is usually more resistant to political disturbances. The Asian zone has not yet had a war, the conditions are more conducive," said Welly.