RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita underscored the craft industry as a strategic pillar of Indonesia’s national economic growth, citing its strong competitiveness in sustaining access to global markets.

“Strengthening craft industries rooted in local wisdom is a strategic step to maximize the use of raw materials. Our target is to generate sustainable added value while ensuring broader community welfare,” Agus said in Jakarta on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Indonesia’s craft exports in 2025 reached USD 806.63 million, marking a 15.46 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Head of the Industrial Services Standardization and Policy Agency (BSKJI), Emmy Suryandari, emphasized that the ministry remains committed to enhancing business capacity, particularly among small and medium-sized industries.

“We have implemented a one-stop service concept for the craft and batik sectors, providing integrated certification services,” Emmy explained.

The Yogyakarta-based National Center for Standardization and Industrial Services for Crafts and Batik (BBSPJIKB) serves as the main hub for these services, offering streamlined access for batik artisans nationwide.

BBSPJIKB Head Zya Labiba highlighted the range of technical training programs available, covering natural fiber weaving, wood and bamboo carving, and metal jewelry craftsmanship.

Over the past decade, the institution has trained 11,939 industry workers across Indonesia. Zya noted that this achievement reflects strong synergy between the central government and regional administrations.

“With nationwide reach, BBSPJIKB has trained nearly 12,000 industry professionals in the last ten years. This success is the result of close collaboration with both the central government and local administrations at provincial, district, and municipal levels,” Zya said.

In April 2026, the agency’s mentoring programs extended to regions including East Kutai, Kendal, Ponorogo, and Manokwari in West Papua. Cross-sector collaboration through Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) initiatives continues to be strengthened intensively. (Diffa Sephiawardhani/Sri Wahyuni)