RRI.CO.ID, Surabaya - East Java is charting a new course for its manufacturing sector by securing a strategic supply chain of high-quality, halal-certified raw leather from Australia.

Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa met with the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, Siswo Pramono, and a delegation of Australian business leaders on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to finalize a partnership aimed at revitalizing one of the province’s most vital industrial sectors.

This collaboration is designed to provide premium raw materials to leather hubs in Sidoarjo, Magetan, and Pasuruan. By tapping into Australia's livestock industry, East Java seeks to stabilize production for a wide range of goods, from footwear and luxury bags to local food delicacies.

“This represents a 'new hope' for us. The Ambassador is helping us build connectivity and open new opportunities for the leather industry to flourish,” said Governor Khofifah in Surabaya, on Wednesday, as quoted by Antara.

She emphasized that the partnership provides essential space for East Java to access larger supplies. “The Ambassador is facilitating access for both industrial needs and the production of kerupuk rambak (cattle skin crackers).”

A critical highlight of the agreement is the assurance of halal integrity. As a major meat exporter to the Middle East, Australia’s slaughterhouses adhere to strict Shariah standards, a factor the Governor noted is vital for the Indonesian market.

“The Ambassador conveyed that because Australia supplies meat to the Middle East, their production standards are guaranteed halal. This provides essential peace of mind for Muslim consumers, knowing the slaughtering process follows Shariah principles,” she explained.

Beyond raw material procurement, the initiative encompasses a broader strategy of technological transfer and downstream investment. Governor Khofifah noted that while East Java currently maintains a trade deficit with Australia, this "complementary trade" relationship will ultimately boost local productivity.

“We are not importing consumer goods, but raw materials that will be processed here,” she clarified, noting that the goal is to modernize production and meet international export standards.

Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, Siswo Pramono, accompanied by the Indonesian Leather Association (APKI), characterized the visit as a reciprocal effort to create industrial synergy. He confirmed that Australian abattoirs follow certified halal procedures, ensuring a seamless integration into Indonesia's value chain.

“We are here to create synergy. This is our second tour, the first involved taking Indonesian representatives to Australia, and now we have brought Australian entrepreneurs here to see Indonesia’s potential,” said Siswo Pramono.

He concluded that the partnership is a win-win, where Indonesia secures the necessary hide supplies while Australia explores investment opportunities in the domestic leather processing industry. ***