RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s textile and textile products (TPT) industry is showing signs of revival, with the government asserting that the sector is entering a new phase of growth.

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said the “sunset industry” label is no longer valid. “We must be optimistic and dare to say it’s a sunrise,” he declared at the Indo Intertex-Inatex 2026 exhibition in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Minister Agus noted that Indonesia’s economy remains solid. In 2025, national economic growth reached 5.11 percent, while the manufacturing sector grew even higher at 5.30 percent.

The sector contributed 19.07 percent to GDP and accounted for 84.89 percent of exports. It also employed about 20.31 million workers, underscoring its role as the backbone of the national economy.

The textile sector itself recorded year-on-year growth of 3.55 percent in 2025. Export value reached USD 12.08 billion, with a surplus of USD 3.45 billion, driven largely by ready-to-wear garment exports.

Investment in the sector also remained strong, with realization reaching USD 1.19 billion and creating jobs for about 3.96 million people, nearly 19.5 percent of the manufacturing industry’s total workforce.

Despite this positive trend, Minister Agus acknowledged challenges such as rising global raw material prices, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating international demand. He emphasized the need for close collaboration between the government, associations, and industry players to sustain growth momentum.

He also highlighted the importance of the Indo Intertex-Inatex exhibition in expanding business networks. “This exhibition serves as a platform of optimism, bringing together domestic and international industry leaders and opening new opportunities for collaboration and investment,” he said.

Looking ahead, the government will continue to strengthen the textile industry through strategic policies, including expanding market access, providing fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, and improving supply chain efficiency.

Industrial transformation will focus on accelerating the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, implementing sustainability principles, and developing high-value products to compete globally. ***