The domestic textile industry is once again facing serious pressure due to the surge in synthetic filament yarn imports from China. Data from the Indonesian Filament Fiber and Yarn Producers Association (APSyFI) shows that imports have surged between 70 percent and 300 percent since 2017. This situation has been exacerbated by the government's decision to refuse to impose Anti-Dumping Duties (BMAD) on these imported products.
APSyFI Secretary General, Farhan Aqil, expressed his regret at the government's decision, which he considered unfavorably to the national industry. He stated that the rejection of BMAD has created an unfavorable investment climate, as there is no guarantee of fair competition. This is despite the fact that a number of foreign investors have begun to see the potential for revitalizing domestic textile production machinery that has stalled.
Farhan emphasized that BMAD should be a turning point for the revival of the domestic industry. However, without adequate protection, many risks lurk—from bad debts and layoffs to a loss of confidence in the manufacturing sector among the younger generation. Furthermore, he warned that such conditions could lead to deindustrialization, which would have a far-reaching impact on the national economy.
Meanwhile, Minister of Trade Budi Santoso explained that the decision to reject the BMAD implementation was made after considering the still-limited domestic supply. The government, he said, is attempting to balance protecting local industries with domestic market demands, which domestic producers cannot yet fully meet.
However, industry players believe the decision fails to address the challenges they face. Farhan stated that the textile industry is not merely a business matter, but concerns the sovereignty of the national industry, which has been built over decades. He urged the government to formulate policies that favor national interests, rather than simply responding to short-term market pressures.
The surge in imports and the government's weak protective policies are a dangerous signal for the future of the Indonesian textile industry. Without concrete action, it is possible that this sector will lose its competitiveness and be completely eroded by foreign products.