NEWS

Concerns From APSyFI Regarding 250,000 Layoffs In The Textile Industry Must Be Addressed

The concerns raised by the Association of Fiber and Filament Yarn Producers (APSyFI) regarding illegal imports affecting Indonesia's textile industry have garnered attention.

Deputy Minister of Manpower, Immanuel Ebenezer, emphasized that these allegations of illegal imports should be thoroughly examined to determine their validity. "Regarding APSyFI's complaints, all parties should act wisely and verify whether these concerns are true or not. If proven true, collective action is needed, as illegal imports impact workers' livelihoods," said Ebenezer, commonly known as Noel, as reported by Media Indonesia on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

Noel clarified that the Ministry of Manpower does not have the authority to directly address the issues raised by APSyFI. However, the ministry focuses on matters related to workers and labor. "We can only stress that APSyFI's concerns should be taken seriously by all stakeholders. If proven false, APSyFI deserves to be reminded. But if true, all parties must collaborate to put an end to illegal imports that weaken job opportunities," he added.

Illegal Imports and Their Impact

The Chairman of APSyFI, Redma Gita Wirawasta, previously revealed that illegal imports have flooded the domestic market over the past two years.

"By 2024, 60 factories have shut down, and 250,000 layoffs have occurred," Redma stated.

According to him, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, imports from China were temporarily halted. However, when lockdown policies were lifted and imports resumed, illegal goods once again flooded the market.

This influx of illegal imports has not only weakened the Textile and Textile Products (TPT) sector but also impacted the petrochemical industry, particularly the production of Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA), a primary raw material for textiles. Redma warned that this situation could push Indonesia closer to deindustrialization.

Call for Collective Action

The concerns voiced by APSyFI highlight the urgent need for a coordinated response from various stakeholders, including the government, industry players, and law enforcement, to combat illegal imports. Addressing this issue is critical to safeguarding Indonesia's textile industry, preserving jobs, and maintaining the country’s industrial competitiveness.