The Policy Prohibiting the Sale of Used Clothing (Thrifting) and the Protection of the Economic Rights of Small-Scale Traders: A Perspective on Law and Social Justice

Abstract

Abstract: This study examines Indonesia’s policy prohibiting the importation of used clothing (thrifting) and its implications for the protection of small-scale traders’ economic rights from the perspectives of law and social justice. The study employs normative legal research using statutory and conceptual approaches. Legal materials are collected through documentary research and analyzed qualitatively through legal interpretation and normative reasoning. The findings indicate that the prohibition on importing used clothing must be distinguished from the domestic resale of second-hand garments, as the legality of each activity depends on the applicable legal provisions and the circumstances of the transaction. Although the government has legitimate interests in protecting domestic industries, ensuring trade compliance, and safeguarding consumers, regulatory enforcement must also consider legal certainty, proportionality, and the socioeconomic circumstances of affected traders. The constitutional right to work and to a dignified livelihood does not create an unconditional entitlement to trade prohibited goods; however, it provides a normative foundation for assessing the fairness of regulatory implementation. This study proposes an integrated framework connecting trade regulation, economic rights, proportionality, and distributive justice. It argues that effective enforcement should be accompanied by transparent communication, access to lawful supply chains, and appropriate business transition support. The study contributes a rights-based perspective to the development of socially responsive trade governance in Indonesia.

Keywords: Economic Rights, Legal Protection, Social Justice, Small-Scale Traders, Thrifting Regulation

Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kebijakan larangan impor pakaian bekas (thrifting) di Indonesia dan implikasinya terhadap perlindungan hak ekonomi pedagang kecil dalam perspektif hukum dan keadilan sosial. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian hukum normatif dengan pendekatan perundang-undangan dan konseptual. Bahan hukum dikumpulkan melalui studi dokumentasi dan dianalisis secara kualitatif menggunakan interpretasi hukum serta penalaran normatif. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa larangan impor pakaian bekas perlu dibedakan dari aktivitas penjualan kembali pakaian bekas di dalam negeri karena legalitas setiap aktivitas bergantung pada ketentuan hukum yang berlaku dan keadaan transaksinya. Meskipun pemerintah memiliki kepentingan yang sah dalam melindungi industri domestik, memastikan kepatuhan perdagangan, dan melindungi konsumen, pelaksanaan kebijakan tetap perlu mempertimbangkan kepastian hukum, proporsionalitas, serta kondisi sosial-ekonomi pedagang yang terdampak. Hak konstitusional atas pekerjaan dan penghidupan yang layak tidak memberikan hak tanpa batas untuk memperdagangkan barang yang dilarang, tetapi menjadi landasan normatif untuk menilai keadilan pelaksanaan kebijakan. Penelitian ini menawarkan kerangka analisis yang mengintegrasikan regulasi perdagangan, hak ekonomi, proporsionalitas, dan keadilan distributif. Penelitian ini menegaskan bahwa penegakan hukum perlu disertai komunikasi regulasi yang transparan, akses terhadap rantai pasok yang sah, dan dukungan transisi usaha yang memadai.

Kata Kunci: Hak Ekonomi, Keadilan Sosial, Larangan Impor, Pedagang Kecil, Thrifting.