The Central Java Indonesian Entrepreneurs Association (Apindo), Frans Kongi, assesses that the textile law which is currently included in the DPR RI Baleg's Priority National Legislation Program (prolegnas), aims to protect the local textile industry, not completely prohibit imported goods from entering Indonesia. On the sidelines of the 10th Municipal Conference (Muscot) of the DPK Apindo Solo, Monday (9/10/2023), Frans Kongi assessed that the quality of the local textile industry's products was no less than products from abroad.

"Actually, this country's textile capabilities are not inferior to any other country. So we want the government to protect domestic industry. "For example, illegal textile imports cannot occur, if you import, you have to pay import duties, it's not that we don't want imported goods to come in, because we are also still exporting and could even be boycotted later," he said.

Frans also reminded that all goods entering Indonesia must pay import duties. He also highlighted foreign policies that made the prices of imported products cheaper and could ultimately harm local industry.

"We want it to be fair, those who import must pay tax. Now they can pay very cheaply because of their domestic policy. "For us, it's a big loss, whereas they don't feel the loss, their basic prices are cheaper," he explained.

Separately, Sebelas Maret University (UNS) Economic Observer, Bhimo Rizky Samudro, believes that the textile law should not be the basis for the textile industry.

According to him, currently the textile industry is required to be creative in creating products so they can compete.

"If you want to make the textile industry structurally stronger, you should not only rely on the government, but must be more creative. "Once again I see how to strengthen the uniqueness of both the input and the product," he said.

Bhimo said that currently what needs to be improved is the quality of human resources (HR) so that they can help the textile industry compete. According to him, good quality human resources can help the textile industry increase return on investment (ROI).

"In terms of human resources, the number in Indonesia is not inferior, but in terms of productivity, this is the question. why do people now prefer property because the ROI is high, the current challenge is how the textile industry has a high ROI, they are given privileges but are not developing. "Now how can these human resources start to have a sense of belonging to develop the national textile industry," he explained.

Previously, the President Commissioner of PT Sritex, Iwan Setiawan Lukminto, said that currently the textile law is expected to increase worker absorption in the textile industry.

"The children of this nation must be able to innovate to make products. If there is no innovation, how will they progress, then increase employment opportunities and then earn foreign exchange. "Then create new entrepreneurs there, so it's not just selling but how to produce domestically," he explained.

When asked about when the textile law could be issued, Iwan hopes that it can be passed by the DPR in 2024.

"Hopefully it can be done in 2024, because it has entered the Priority National Legislation Program (prolegnas), this is an initiation from the DPR and textile industrialists," he continued.