The Indonesian Filament Fiber & Yarn Producers Association (APSyFI) revealed that the textile industry is currently in a critical condition. This situation has worsened due to the release of 26 thousand containers that were previously stuck at the port. APSyFI Executive Secretary, Farhan Aqil Syauqi, stated that Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani must be held responsible for the entry of these illegal imports into Indonesia.
"We still remember Mr. Airlangga and Mrs. Sri Mulyani who released 26 thousand containers to the domestic market. Until now, we do not know what the contents of the containers are, because the data has never been made public," said Farhan in his statement on Monday, July 29, 2024. Farhan also added that Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan and Minister of Industry did not know the contents of the containers.
Farhan emphasized that the current condition of the textile industry is very critical, and the entry of 26 thousand containers has worsened the situation. Thousands of employees have been laid off and factory closures are still ongoing. "Mr. Airlangga and Mrs. Sri Mulyani must be responsible for the thousands of workers who have been laid off to date. Our discussions with the Government regarding these cheap imported products have been going on for years. Not to mention we are talking about the fabric safeguard that has not been signed by Mrs. Sri Mulyani for years. The peak was with the issuance of Permendag No. 8/2024 causing 26 thousand containers to enter Indonesia. This is like legalizing illegal imports in Indonesia," said Farhan.
Permendag No. 8/2024 has been in the spotlight because it is considered to facilitate the entry of illegal imported products that are detrimental to the domestic textile industry. Farhan said that the impact of this policy is very detrimental, with thousands of workers losing their jobs and factories closing.
In this increasingly difficult situation, APSyFI expects firm action from the government to protect the domestic textile industry from the onslaught of illegal imported products. They also demanded transparency and clarity regarding the contents of the 26 thousand containers that had been removed, as well as protection for workers affected by the policy.