INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta - The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) continues to expand promotional space and market access for (IKM) small and medium industry players engaged in the wastra and craft sector. This step is carried out to strengthen the competitiveness of local products while encouraging Indonesia's cultural heritage to be increasingly recognized in the global market.
The Ministry of Industry's Director General of Small, Medium, and Medium Industries, Reni Yanita, said that the development of wastra and craft industries is an important part of efforts to build sustainable industries that have high cultural values as well as great economic potential.
"In the midst of the development of sustainable fashion trends or slow fashion, wastra Nusantara has an advantage because it uses natural materials, is traditionally produced, and has high durability," said Reni in Jakarta, Tuesday (9/6).
Meanwhile, Deputy Daily Chairman of the National Craft Council (Dekranas) Loemongga Kartasasmita assessed that Indonesian wastra products are very much in line with the concept of slow fashion which is now increasingly in demand by world consumers.
According to him, Indonesian wastra products not only offer visual beauty, but also contain cultural values, sustainable production processes, and quality that can survive across generations.
"Indonesian wastra products are increasingly in demand in the market because they have high cultural values and strong quality. This is a great opportunity to elevate Indonesian culture as part of the world's sustainable fashion trends," he said.
In addition to wastra, the craft sector is also considered to have a strategic role in the national economy. The Ministry of Industry noted that the craft industry contributed significantly to the national Produk Domestik Bruto (PDB).
In the first quarter of 2026, the craft industry recorded an export value ofUS $165.27 million or grew 4.08 percent compared to the same period the previous year. This achievement shows that Indonesian craft products are increasingly gaining places and appreciation in the international market.
In an effort to expand the market and increase exposure to local products, the Ministry of Industry collaborated with Dekranas in the implementation of Pameran Wastra Nusantara (SWN) 2026 which took place at Plaza Industri, Jakarta.
The exhibition features the best works from 45 built IKM presenting a variety of superior products, ranging from weaving, songket, batik, accessories, to other craft products that reflect the richness of Indonesian culture.
This activity also involves various stakeholders, including BUMN, Dekranasda, industry associations, and business actors who are committed to strengthening the national creative industry ecosystem.
Loemongga emphasized that Indonesian wastra and craft products are the result of a collaboration of tradition and innovation that has a strong appeal in the global market. Therefore, strengthening promotions and market access needs to continue so that local products are able to compete with international products.
"Indonesian wastra and craft products are not only cultural heritage, but also economic strength that can continue to grow and be passed on to future generations," he said.
