RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Industry’s Center for Fashion and Handicraft Industry Empowerment (BPIFK) is facilitating the participation of its supported SMEs in the international Home InStyle 2026 exhibition, held April 27–30 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The initiative is part of the ministry’s strategy to introduce Indonesian handicraft products to the global market.

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said Indonesian craft products possess strong creativity and innovation, which serve as key assets for local entrepreneurs to compete internationally.

“National craft products that prioritize creativity and innovation have great potential to penetrate global markets. That is why the ministry continues to support SME capacity building and promotion so they can compete globally,” he said in Jakarta on Friday, May 8, as quoted on the ministry's official website.

Minister Agus emphasized that participation in international exhibitions enriches entrepreneurs’ insights and expands partnership networks, enabling them to adapt to dynamic global lifestyle trends.

He also praised the spirit of SMEs striving to improve export quality through overseas showcases, calling such participation a strategic step to present Indonesia’s cultural wealth through contemporary craft.

Director General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries (IKMA), Reni Yanita, noted that international exhibitions are vital for SMEs to monitor global design and creative innovation trends. “At Home InStyle 2026, the Directorate General of IKMA, through BPIFK, is bringing three SME alumni of the Creative Business Incubator (CBI) program: Manamu from Bali, Kampoeng Anyaman from Central Java, and Koto Batu from Banten,” she said.

One of the SMEs, Koto Batu, won the prestigious Best of Show Award at the European Product Design Award x Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Home InStyle 2026 with its design piece Felora. “This award proves that the quality, innovation, and aesthetic value of Indonesian products have gained international recognition,” Reni added.

BPIFK Head Dickie Sulistya Aprilyanto explained that Home InStyle 2026 adopted a hybrid format, integrating in-person and online activities to broaden business opportunities. “Through digital platforms, participants can continue business communications, explore collaboration opportunities, and access product information more widely and efficiently,” he said.

According to Dickie, BPIFK’s participation reflects the ministry’s commitment to promoting, marketing, and strengthening Indonesia’s SME networks globally, while enhancing the added value and competitiveness of the national fashion and craft industries.

“This initiative is expected to reinforce the position of Indonesian craft products in international markets and increase SME contributions to the national economy,” he concluded.

Home InStyle 2026, organized by HKTDC, is a major international trade fair for housewares and home décor. The exhibition highlights material innovation, cultural exploration, and design creativity, and also showcases technology-based solutions to support the elderly as the silver economy trend grows.

HKTDC is collaborating with Pantone to introduce the 2026 trend color, Cloud Dancer, applied to a range of home and lifestyle products. ***