A significant step has been taken by the Association of Indonesian Fiber and Filament Yarn Producers (APSyFI) in encouraging retailers to give priority to domestic products. This request is a response to changes in import policy regulated in Minister of Trade Regulation Number 3 of 2024, which came into effect on March 10.
The General Chair of APSyFI, Redma Gita Wirawasta, emphasized that this decision aims to direct the performance of the textile and textile products (TPT) industry in a more positive direction. All stakeholders in the textile industry in Indonesia hope that this regulation will remain in effect without any further changes or delays.
Previously, the Indonesian Global Brand Retail Entrepreneurs Association (Apregindo) voiced its objection to the implementation of this rule, even asking for a postponement. They also highlight technical aspects that are considered burdensome in the import process.
Redma explained that the main aim of this regulation was to control imports in accordance with the President's instructions that had been issued previously. This step was taken to overcome the high unemployment rate in the industrial sector. The Minister of Trade Regulation aims to encourage import substitution with local products, reducing Indonesia's dependence on imported goods.
Responding to complaints regarding technical aspects expressed by Apregindo, Redma stated that the issuance of related technical regulations should have been regulated in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Industry. He also emphasized that Apregindo members have obtained Import Approval until the end of 2024, giving them sufficient time to prepare for 2025 imports.
Furthermore, Redma urged retailers to prioritize local products over imported ones. According to him, many local brands have good quality and are able to compete globally. Giving local brands the opportunity to enter the retail market will enable their growth and reduce dependence on imported products.
A similar opinion was also expressed by the General Chair of the Indonesian Textile Association (API), Jemmy Kartiwa. He welcomed the implementation of this Minister of Trade Regulation, considering it an important step for the domestic textile industry which is expected to increase their competitiveness in the global market.
Chairman of the Bandung Convection Entrepreneurs Association, Nandi Herdiaman, also agrees that the implementation of the Minister of Trade Regulation has had a significant positive impact, especially for Small and Medium Industries (IKM) in the Java region. He reported a surge in orders resulting in labor shortages and even contract requests from large online platforms.
In this context, Nandi emphasized the importance of government consistency in implementing this regulation in order to protect textile SMEs and SMEs from the negative impacts of imported goods.
Thus, this step will not only support the growth of the domestic textile industry but also provide encouragement for the development and protection of small and medium business actors in this sector.