Police in Indonesia's West Kalimantan province have recently busted a case of used clothing smuggled via an illegal route from Malaysia, seizing 410 bales of second-hand clothing (thrifting) estimated to have caused billions of rupiah in losses to the state.

Brigjen Pol Roma Hutajulu, deputy chief of the West Kalimantan Police, said at a press conference on January 20 that the case was part of the police's efforts to support the government's "Asta Cita" program and crack down on smuggling crimes.

The case began with a public tip-off about suspected loading and unloading of used clothing from Malaysia in Pemangkat District, Sambas Regency. After investigation, police found evidence in four containers at several locations, including Dwikora Port in Pontianak. On January 15, the criminal investigation team intercepted a container truck with license plate KB 8492 AW in Sungai Raya District, Kubu Raya, finding 108 bales of suspected used clothing from Malaysia inside. Police later discovered three more containers at Dwikora Port containing another 302 bales of used clothing. In total, 410 bales, including 320 large bales (100 kg each) and 90 small bales (50 kg each).

It is reported that the used clothing was originally destined for Makassar in South Sulawesi and Surabaya in East Java. Smugglers imported the used clothing from Malaysia via illegal border routes in Sambas Regency, then loaded it into containers for shipment to the destinations. Police have identified a main suspect, DY (alias RN, 60), a resident of North Singkawang, suspected of arranging the purchase of used clothing from Malaysia and transporting it via illegal routes in Aruk District. The suspect is charged under Article 112 paragraph (2) of Indonesia's Trade Law (Law No. 7 of 2014), facing a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of 5 billion rupiah.

Police stressed that used clothing smuggling not only damages state tax revenue but also negatively affects micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), especially harming the local textile industry, which is an important pillar of the national economy.

Source: Police Confiscate 410 Bal Thrifting Clothing Smuggled Into South Kalimantan, Its Value Reaches Billions Of Rupiah · Originally published on 2026-08-22