RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian handicraft products from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under the Ministry of Industry’s mentorship have attracted international buyers, with the government continuing efforts to expand global market access for the sector.

These efforts include facilitating SME participation in international exhibitions abroad, which open opportunities for cooperation with global buyers and investors.

“It is a source of pride every time the Ministry facilitates SMEs in prestigious international exhibitions. Indonesian handicraft products are indeed worthy of competing in broader markets,” said Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

The Ministry facilitated three SMEs, alumni of the Creative Business Incubator program, in the Home InStyle 2026 exhibition. They were Manamu from Bali, Kampoeng Anyaman from Central Java, and Koto Batu from Banten.

Participation in the exhibition created opportunities for collaboration with buyers from Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, China, Abu Dhabi, and the United States.

Director General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries (IKMA), Reni Yanita, noted that Kampoeng Anyaman’s pandan woven products drew strong interest from international buyers, particularly in the home décor and eco-friendly product sectors.

The company also received sample requests from buyers in the United States and Abu Dhabi, with potential cooperation valued at IDR 340 million (around USD 19,235).

Manamu’s wire-woven products were also in demand among buyers from the Philippines, New Zealand, and Hong Kong, with exploratory discussions held on market development and distribution.

Reni emphasized Hong Kong’s role as a global trade hub for lifestyle and creative industries. The exhibition attracted more than 95,000 buyers from 134 countries and regions.

A survey by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) showed a positive outlook for global handicraft products, with 49 percent of respondents expecting sales growth within the next one to two years. The ASEAN region is projected to lead sales prospects, followed by Taiwan, India, South Korea, and China.

Head of the Fashion and Handicraft Industry Empowerment Center (BPIFK), Dickie Sulistya Aprilyanto, said participants also attended industry seminars and networking sessions with international buyers. “They interacted directly with potential buyers to open opportunities for cooperation and expand the international marketing network for Indonesian products,” he said.

BPIFK continues to support craft and fashion SMEs through design development, human resource capacity building, and international promotional assistance. These measures aim to strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesian products in the global market. (Gusti Panji)