Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri called for strengthened competitiveness in Indonesia's fashion sector through upstream-to-downstream industry integration, continuous innovation, and collaborative stakeholder efforts to expand global market reach.
Speaking in a statement on Tuesday, Roro emphasized that these measures are vital to optimizing the national fashion industry's potential, particularly as the global ready-to-wear apparel market is projected to reach approximately US$1.80 trillion.
"Indonesia's fashion sector holds great potential, supported by strong creativity and distinct product character,” Roro stated.
“Moving forward, we must bolster our competitiveness so that local fashion products are not only recognized but also capable of competing and gaining greater appeal among global consumers," she added.
Indonesia's textiles and textile products (TTP) export performance has demonstrated positive growth. Between January and August, exports reached US$8.15 billion, generating a trade surplus of US$2.18 billion.
Ready-to-wear apparel emerged as the largest contributor, accounting for US$5.90 billion—roughly 72.4 percent—of total TTP exports, marking a 2.8 percent increase compared to the previous year.
To sustain this momentum, Roro stressed the need to increase domestic raw material utilization, advance product design, ensure compliance with international standards, and strengthen cross-sector collaboration among industries, designers, and MSMEs.
The Trade Ministry has pledged active support for these initiatives through targeted product development, aggressive trade promotion, and market expansion strategies designed to solidify Indonesia's standing in global trade networks.
As part of these outreach efforts, Roro highlighted the commercial impact of local retail platforms like FashionLink and Dewi’s Luxe Market at Jakarta Fashion Week 2027, which serve as vital conduits connecting local creators and MSMEs with international buyers.
She also pointed to ongoing international collaborations, such as the ministry's second-year partnership with Singapore-based DORS, expressing hope that such initiatives will mature beyond temporary showcases.
"We hope that this partnership will not end with exhibitions or fashion shows, but will instead evolve into long-term business relationships that provide tangible opportunities for our national designers and business operators," Roro noted.
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Translator: Maria Cicilia Galuh Prayudhia, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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