In this dynamic era, the Indonesian textile and textile products (TPT) industry is facing serious challenges related to the flood of imported products that compete unfairly in the domestic market. This resulted in a drastic decline in production utilization, even below 50%, and caused many employees to be laid off. However, efforts to overcome this problem do not just stop.
General Chair of the Indonesian Filament Fiber and Yarn Association (APSyFI), Redma Gita Wirawasta, said that although the steps taken by the government, especially through Minister of Trade Regulation (Permendag) No. 36 of 2023 which is now Minister of Trade Regulation no. 3 of 2024, has not yet completely improved the performance of the textile industry, but there is a positive trend that is starting to be seen.
"In this ongoing process, there has been an increase in orders in the downstream sector, especially in the small and medium-sized garment convection industry (IKM). We project an increase in performance in this sector in the next 2-3 months, and an increase in performance in the upstream sector within the next 3-4 months," said Redma Gita Wirawasta in an official statement.
Concrete steps have also been taken with the enactment of Minister of Industry Regulation (Permenperin) No. 5 of 2024 as a technical regulation from the Minister of Trade Regulation. According to Redma, this step will help control imports and direct the textile industry back to a positive path.
However, support from all parties is considered very important in this process. Redma emphasized that importers must comply with existing regulations, including paying taxes and import permits. Moreover, importers are also encouraged to be nationalistic and support the government's efforts to advance the national economy through optimizing labor-intensive industries.
Regarding the debate that has arisen regarding the import of goods by Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI), Redma emphasized that all parties must respect PMI as foreign exchange heroes. However, if PMI wants to do business with imported goods, they are also expected to comply with all applicable regulations.
On the other hand, the General Chair of the Indonesian Textile Association (API), Jemmy Kartiwa, welcomed the government's steps in issuing synergistic regulations to overcome the problems of the textile industry. According to him, Permenperin No. 5 of 2024 in synergy with Minister of Trade Regulation no. 36 of 2023, shows the government's attention to labor-intensive industries in Indonesia.
API's optimism regarding the implementation of these two regulations is becoming stronger because it is considered the right step in supporting the strengthening of labor-intensive industries in Indonesia. Support from all parties, including industry players, is expected to accelerate the realization of this mission.
Thus, it is hoped that the steps taken by the government together with the full support of stakeholders can bring the Indonesian textile industry and textile products back to a positive and sustainable path, as well as opening up opportunities for national economic growth.