Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Minister of Industry, said, the 6.91 per cent growth in Indonesia’s industrial sector in Q2FY21 is line with the national economic growth of 7.07 per cent. In the middle of this year, Indonesia also launched the results of a study on the potential economic, social and environmental benefits of implementing a circular economy in the country’s textile sector. The implementation of a circular economy in this sector will reportedly help create an economic impact of IDR 24 trillion, 200 thousand jobs, reduce CO2 emissions by 16 million tonne, and save water by 1.3 billion cubic meters by 2030.

On the other hand, consumers will also benefit from products that are durable, long lasting, innovative and environmentally friendly. Kartasasmita explained, the government has mentioned sustainable fashion as part of the green industry in its regulation No. 28 of 2021 and has been implemented or stated in the roadmap for making Indonesia 4.0 in RIPIN and KIN 2020-2024 with a focus on the recycle polyester and staple fiber industry. In particular, it came from used plastic bottles and the development of renewable and sustainable fiber rayon, with tracable woods, sustainable forestry, and eco-friendly production, he added

Rosa Vivien Ratnawati, Director General-Waste, Waste and Hazardous Toxic Material Management (PSLB3), Ministry of Environment and Forestry, explained that textile waste is a potential that can be utilized. Data from August 2021 report shows, Indonesia generates 1.7 million ton wastes in 292 districts every year. A circular economy approach can help alleviate this problem, adds Ratnawati.