Indonesia Holds Business Matching to Strengthen Sports Industry Growth

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Industry brought together dozens of national sports industry players with potential business partners at the Business Matching Indonesia Sport and Active Wear (ISAW) Ecosystem: B2B Market Activation event in Jakarta.

The initiative is part of efforts to expand market access and strengthen the local sports industry ecosystem.

Held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the event connected representatives from the sports apparel, athletic footwear, and sports equipment industries with the retail sector, sports organizations, and strategic partners.

A total of 22 small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) were matched with more than 30 potential buyers, sports federations, organizations, and retail businesses.

Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, highlighted that the momentum of the growing healthy lifestyle trend, the rise of fitness centers, and the surge in sports activities must be leveraged to strengthen the national industry.

“The apparel, footwear, and sports equipment industries play a strategic role and present immense opportunities for continued development as market demand rises, both nationally and globally,” Minister Agus said in Jakarta on Friday, June 5, as quoted on the ministry’s official website.

He also commended collaboration among stakeholders, including the Indonesian Association of Retailers and Shopping Center Tenants (HIPPINDO), the Indonesian Sportswear Association (ASPOIN), the Indonesian National Sports Federation (IOCO), and other partners. According to him, such collaboration is crucial to expand sustainable market access and connect sports SMEs with national industrial and retail supply chains.

Director General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries (IKMA), Reni Yanita, emphasized that the event was a concrete step to strengthen the use of domestic products while enhancing competitiveness.

“This event is part of capacity‑building and competitiveness enhancement for industries supporting the sports ecosystem, enabling them to grow, expand their markets, and contribute to national industrial growth,” Reni said.

She noted that the national sports industry's potential continues to show a positive trend. Ministry data show that ready‑to‑wear apparel and sports shoes ranked among the top 20 manufactured goods by export value in February 2026, at USD 626.32 million and USD 340.81 million, respectively.

“This potential indicates that supporting industries within the national sports ecosystem have significant opportunities to continue growing and become an important part of strengthening Indonesia’s manufacturing industry structure,” she added.

The sports equipment industry also continues to expand, employing around 15,000 people. In 2025, its export value rose 11.3 percent compared to the previous year, reaching markets in the US, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, and the UK.

Director of Chemical, Textile, and Handicraft SMEs, Budi Setiawan, explained that the event is part of the ISAW 2026 series, which will return in September. The agenda includes business pitching sessions, discussions, and networking to strengthen collaboration among industry players. ***