Pontianak Leather Artisan Secures Global Orders at INACRAFT

RRI.CO.ID, Pontianak – The prestigious International Handicraft Trade Fair (INACRAFT) 2026 has emerged as a transformative milestone for Natalia Desca Rina, a young leather artisan from Pontianak, West Kalimantan, whose innovative footwear is now capturing international markets. 

Combining local Kapuak tree bark with premium cowhide, her brand, Koyuko, has successfully bridged the gap between traditional Indonesian materials and modern global fashion. Stationed at the Pontianak pavilion on Friday, February 6, 2026, the owner of @Koyuko_Official expressed how the exhibition provided more than just a sales platform. 

"I feel very fortunate to participate in this exhibition. Not only did I promote my products, but I also gained valuable experience and feedback from other artisans," remarked Natalia, as reported by Antara.

Her craftsmanship even caught the eye of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Minister, Maman Abdurrahman, who personally purchased a pair during a recent visit to the Pontianak Regional National Handicraft Council (Dekranasda) Gallery.

The brand's unique aesthetic has already sparked a wave of international interest, with orders arriving from Singapore and India via both the exhibition and online channels. Despite the rising demand, Natalia maintains a meticulous approach to her craft to ensure quality. 

"For the shoes, customers must place an order in advance because the process is quite long, spanning from design and production to shipping," she explained. 

Supported by an expanded workshop and a dedicated team, Natalia remains focused on scaling her business. "I feel that my hard work has paid off, and I want to continue growing my business while bringing the name of Pontianak to the international stage," she added.

This success has been met with high praise from the Dekranasda Chairperson Pontianak, Yanieta Arbiastutie, who views Natalia’s achievement as a testament to the competitive edge of local crafts. She noted that the brand's ability to penetrate global markets proves that Pontianak’s artisans possess the uniqueness and quality required for international trade. 

“Participation in INACRAFT 2026 is clear evidence that sustainable coaching, mentoring, and promotion can produce innovative and globally competitive artisans,” remarked Yanieta. 

Looking forward, Dekranasda Pontianak reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local creators, particularly the younger generation, to help them scale their businesses and gain wider recognition. By fostering an environment where local talent can thrive, the council aims to solidify Pontianak’s reputation as a hub for high-quality handicrafts. 

“We hope this success story can serve as an inspiration for other artisans to continue creating, innovating, and believing in the local potential we possess,” concluded Yanieta. ***