Indonesian Minister Champions Local Goods Amid Thrifting Craze: "Local Pride!"

November 6, 2025 | 11:38 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Maman Abdurrahman, calls on Indonesians to avoid thrifting, a growing shopping trend in major cities including Bandung. The minister encourages consumers to opt for equally high-quality locally made products.

"The clothes I am wearing were made by Bandung youths. They have great designs and have been marketed in Paris. Buying local goods will drive up production, which lowers prices," said Maman in a press release on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

Maman said it's time for Indonesians to have more confidence in local products. He believes that local products are now of higher quality and can compete with imported products. "Love Indonesian products. It's time for us to use domestically-made goods. Local is cool. Local Pride!"

During his visit to Kosambi Market in Bandung yesterday, Maman appreciated the collaborative initiative of the Bandung youth community in revitalizing the market through The Hallway Space - a creative space for young MSME players.

"Kosambi Market used to be one of the largest and busiest markets in Bandung. However, over time, activities slowed down, and the place seemed rundown. Now, with the creativity of the young people, this public space of over 3,000 square meters bounces back," he said.

"Earlier, I saw extraordinary local goods, from clothes, shoes, bags, to antique cameras. There are even culinary products. This is proof that MSMEs in Bandung have great potential," he said.

According to him, The Hallway Space also has a positive impact on traditional merchants in the surrounding area. The increase in visits to this creative area also helps boost sales of souvenirs and culinary products in the front area of the market.

"This creates a significant economic multiplier effect. Not only for new tenants, but also for long-standing merchants in Kosambi Market. This is an example of successful utilization of public facilities that has increased economic activity for the residents," he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Mayor of Bandung, Erwin, stated that they are currently establishing MSMEs Centers across 30 districts, called Utama Store. This facility will be equipped with a business innovation center and culinary area, serving as a place for mentoring local entrepreneurs. "At Utama Store, MSME players will be taught through a business incubator program to become resilient and independent entrepreneurs," he said.

Regarding the thrifting issue, Erwin mentioned that the Bandung City Administration will align with the central government's directive to reduce the distribution of imported second-hand clothing. He is optimistic that local garment manufacturers and young creators in Bandung are capable of filling the market space with local goods.

"Bandung is the center of creativity and garment production. We believe that with support from the Ministry of MSMEs, many new young entrepreneurs will grow after the thrifting policy is halted," he said.

Editor’s Choice: Purbaya Cracks Down on Illegal Thrift Imports, Says 'I'll Arrest Those Who Refuse First'

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

Indonesia Receives 'Draft Zero' of Gaza International Force Mandate, Says Minister

22 menit lalu

Indonesia Undecided on Sending Observers to Myanmar Election

1 jam lalu

Civil Society Rallies in Support of Tempo as Minister Amran Sues the Media Company

2 jam lalu

YouTube Watch Time Duration in Indonesia Doubles Compared to Previous Year

3 jam lalu

4 Brazilian Players to Watch Out for Against Indonesia in the 2025 U-17 World Cup

3 jam lalu

Unpad Ranked Among Top 100 Universities in Asia

3 jam lalu

CSIS Criticizes Prabowo for Lack of Participation in ASEAN Summit

5 jam lalu

Ecoton: Microplastics Contaminating Water Sources in Malang, Indonesia

6 jam lalu

Indonesia Poised to Become a Clean Energy Data Center Hub

14 jam lalu

Indonesia Ready to Deploy Peacekeeping Forces to Gaza

14 jam lalu