RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Creative Economy is exploring a strategic collaboration with Garindo Media Tama to strengthen the national competitiveness of Indonesia’s furniture industry and interior design subsector through the Indonesia Interior & Furniture Expo (INTERFEX) 2026. In addition to targeting domestic market growth, the planned cooperation also aims to improve the quality of the creative industry ecosystem based on furniture and interior design.

“If we want to strengthen the domestic market for the creative industry, then we must ensure a clear and well-prepared competitive advantage. Indonesia actually has strong craftsmanship combined with cultural touches that differentiate it from other countries. This is what must be encouraged so local furniture and interior industries not only survive, but become the top choice in the domestic market,” Vice Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, said while receiving representatives of Garindo Media Tama in Jakarta on Monday , May 25, 2026.

She emphasized that the challenges faced by Indonesia’s furniture industry cannot be solved partially, but require collaboration across the entire ecosystem, ranging from manufacturers and interior designers to associations committed to increasing exposure for local furniture industries.

“INTERFEX 2026 will create momentum for all stakeholders to sit together and honestly address the furniture industry’s challenges, including product quality, supply readiness when demand increases, and timely completion of products. If the entire ecosystem moves together, Indonesia’s massive domestic market can become our greatest strength based on the spirit of mutual cooperation,” Irene said.

INTERFEX 2026 is an interior, furniture, and lifestyle design exhibition scheduled to take place from July 5–9, 2026, at Tirtonadi Convention Hall in Surakarta, Central Java. The exhibition is also expected to support Solo’s city branding as a center for the Srikayu furniture small and medium industries (SMEs).

“INTERFEX 2026 will feature exhibitions, forums, workshops, and networking spaces connecting potential visitors and buyers with exhibitors. We hope potential buyers will primarily come from the domestic market so the economic benefits can be more directly felt by local furniture and interior industry players,” said Dian Eka Yanto, President Director of Garindo Media Tama.

Meanwhile, the domestic furniture industry still faces several challenges, ranging from production capacity and quality consistency to timely delivery. On the other hand, there are major opportunities in utilizing waste materials to create economically valuable furniture and interior products. Through collaboration between the government, private sector, and associations, INTERFEX 2026 is expected to become a catalyst in strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of Indonesia’s furniture industry.

“We appreciate the positive response from the Vice Minister of Creative Economy and the ministry’s support in collaborating to make INTERFEX 2026 an initiative that strengthens the domestic market ecosystem in responding to furniture industry demand. When supply can follow market demand, the interior ecosystem can continue growing. In this way, we can work together as a nation to overcome challenges collectively,” Dian said.