RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Industry continuously bolsters the development of Indonesia’s small and medium craft industries (SMEs) by expanding market access and reinforcing business partnership networks. This effort is carried out through various development programs, including business matching events that connect SMEs with potential buyers, industry partners, and relevant stakeholders.

Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, in a statement in Jakarta on Monday, March 16, 2026, said that business meetings are one of the strategic steps to expand marketing networks while opening partnership opportunities for SMEs, including those in the craft sector.

“Through business matching forums, craft SMEs can interact directly with buyers and industry partners, creating broader opportunities for cooperation. These activities also help strengthen the national craft industry ecosystem so that it becomes more competitive,” Agus Gumiwang stated.

The Minister added that the craft industry is one of the sectors with strong potential to increase economic value while strengthening Indonesia’s cultural identity in the global market.

“Indonesia’s craft industry has advantages in creativity, cultural richness, and the skills of its artisans. The government continues to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness through various development programs, including expanding sustainable market access through business matching activities,” he said.

According to him, strengthening connectivity between SMEs, buyers, and industry partners is an important factor in driving the growth of the national craft industry. In addition, synergy with the hospitality sector also opens opportunities for the use of craft products as interior decorations, furniture, and various operational needs for hotels and restaurants.

Through the Directorate General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries (IKMA), the Ministry of Industry organized the Craft SMEs Business Matching 2026 in Yogyakarta on March 10, 2026. The event brought together craft SMEs with potential buyers, industry partners, associations, and stakeholders from the hospitality sector such as hotels and restaurants.

Director General of IKMA, Reni Yanita, explained that business matching is one of the strategies to expand marketing networks while improving SMEs’ readiness to enter wider markets.

“Through this business matching activity, craft SMEs can interact directly with buyers and industry partners, opening broader opportunities for cooperation. It also helps strengthen the national craft industry ecosystem so that it becomes more competitive,” she said.

Reni also noted that Indonesian craft products have proven capable of penetrating export markets and have shown positive performance. According to Ministry of Industry data, Indonesia’s craft exports in 2025 reached USD 806.63 million, an increase of 15.46 percent compared to USD 698.62 million in 2024. The main export markets include China, Taiwan, the United States, Japan, and several European countries.

“This export growth shows that national craft products have great potential to continue expanding in the global market. Therefore, improving product quality, design innovation, production consistency, and strengthening marketing networks remain crucial for craft SMEs,” Reni conveyed.

The Craft SMEs Business Matching 2026 was attended by 50 craft SMEs from various regions across Indonesia. In addition to SMEs, the event also involved various stakeholders, including representatives from ministries and institutions, industry associations, and the hospitality sector that has the potential to utilize domestic craft products.