Public Policy and Economic Analysis of Tightening of Used Clothing Imports in Indonesia in 2025

Abstract

The tightening of used clothing imports in Indonesia in 2025 is a response to the increasing influx of illegal goods that impact the stability of the textile industry, public health, and environmental sustainability. This study aims to analyze the rationale for this policy from a public policy perspective, its economic impact on the national textile industry, and its relevance within an Islamic economic framework. The research method uses a qualitative-descriptive approach based on secondary data obtained from relevant ministries, industry associations, international publications, and academic literature. The analysis is carried out through data reduction, presentation of findings, and interpretation based on public policy theory, industrial economics, and the principles of maqasid. al-shariah . The research results show that the surge in illegal used clothing imports, reaching 7,100 tons in 2024, signals the need for tightened regulations. The influx of used clothing has a significant impact on decreasing textile industry utilization , increasing layoffs, and weakening the upstream supply chain—all of which threaten the sustainability of this strategic sector. From a health perspective, imported used clothing has been shown to contain pathogenic bacteria and hazardous chemical residues, while from an environmental perspective, it contributes to increasing the burden of national textile waste. From an Islamic economic perspective, tightening policies align with the principles of maslahah (maslahah) , market justice, and consumer protection. This research concludes that tightening policies are highly relevant and need to be supported by integrated supervision and accompanying policies that ensure clothing accessibility for low-income groups