The issue of imported used clothing has become a polemic and a hot discussion in society following the ban by the government. So crucial, on the change.org page, a petition appeared asking the government to legalize the thrifting business. Most recently, Pasar Senen Used Clothing Trade Coordinator Rivai Silalahi urged the government to legalize used clothing business activities. To make this happen, traders admit that they are ready if they have to be charged additional taxes. Responding to this, Economist at the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) Rizal Taufikurahman appealed to the government to first prepare the domestic textile industry. This is important to boost the competitiveness of national products, including when comparing them with imported used clothes.

Meanwhile, in relation to the demands of thrifting traders for the legalization of imported used clothing business to be approved, this has proved to be not easy. According to Rizal, the proposal is a challenge in itself.

"I think this legalization will become a tough challenge for the domestic textile industry. It's not legal yet, there are already many enthusiasts, especially if it's legalized," said Rizal, Saturday (29/4).

The preparation referred to by Rizal, is not only in terms of quality, but is more comprehensive, which includes technology and MSME coaching. "So they can compete with imported and thrifting products," he continued.

According to Rizal, it is suspected that imported used clothes will reduce the productivity and performance of the domestic textile industry. As a result, domestic textile prices become uncompetitive and have the potential to reduce competitiveness, including that of MSMEs.

For this reason, the government, like it or not, must work extra hard to educate the public regarding the need to use domestic textile production. "It is necessary to revive MSMEs in the textile sector, act decisively against used clothes importers," he said.

The ban on the import of used clothing has been stipulated in the Minister of Trade Regulation (Permendag) No. 40 of 2022 concerning amendments to the Minister of Trade Regulation No. 18 of 2021 concerning Prohibited Export and Prohibited Import Goods.

Article 2 paragraph 3 states that goods are prohibited from being imported, including used bags, used sacks and used clothes. These used goods are prohibited from being imported because they have a bad impact on the domestic economy, especially MSMEs and are bad for the health of their users.