Indonesian Customs Seizes 43 Containers of Illegal Used Clothing at Tanjung Priok

Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) has successfully uncovered two major cases involving the circulation of illegal imported used clothing, commonly known as "ballpress," in Jakarta and West Kalimantan. These operations are part of the government's commitment to enforcing import regulations, safeguarding domestic industries, and ensuring fair business competition.

The operation at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta began with intelligence regarding the alleged shipment of used clothing via the KM Eden Mas vessel from Pontianak to Tanjung Priok. Following a scan of 268 containers, 43 were flagged for containing illegal used clothing. Subsequent inspections of 19 containers revealed 2,067 bales of used clothing, accessories, and bags. The total estimated value of the goods in the 43 containers is approximately Rp 37.5 billion.

Building on the Jakarta findings, authorities conducted further investigations in West Kalimantan. Between June 19-21, 2026, a joint team seized 2,060 bales of illegal used clothing from two warehouse locations in Kubu Raya and Mempawah districts. These seized items are valued at around Rp 16.48 billion.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa highlighted the success of these operations as a result of strong synergy between Customs, the Indonesian National Armed Forces Intelligence Agency (BAIS TNI), the Attorney General's Office, and the National Police. He stated that the effective intelligence-based surveillance and inter-agency collaboration were key to disrupting the supply chain of illegal imported used clothing. The government is committed to pursuing legal action against all parties involved, from importation to storage and distribution, ensuring a professional, transparent, and impartial process.