Indonesia Targets Global Fashion Growth with IFW 2026 Initiative

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Ministry of Creative Economy/Indonesian Creative Economy Agency is intensifying efforts to help Indonesia’s fashion industry enter global markets through a collaboration with the Association of Indonesian Fashion Designers and Entrepreneurs (APPMI).

The partnership is part of Indonesia Fashion Week (IFW) 2026, which aims to expand promotional efforts, enhance competitiveness, and open export opportunities for national fashion products.

The collaboration was discussed during an IFW 2026 meeting at the Ministry’s office in Jakarta. The Ministry views this annual event as a key opportunity to strengthen the supply chain and drive growth in the fashion subsector, which is projected to contribute 14.77 percent to the creative economy’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025.

Creative Economy Minister and Agency Head, Teuku Riefky Harsya, welcomed the plan to host IFW 2026. He said the collaboration serves as an important economic driver, opening access to broader international markets.

“By combining the ministry’s facilitation programs with IFW’s industry network, we can accelerate the incubation of local designers, standardize product quality, and map out the export potential of our fashion industry to strategic target countries,” Minister Riefky said in a statement in Jakarta, as quoted on the Ministry’s official website on Monday, July 6, 2026.

He added that the Ministry will also strengthen the capacity of fashion MSMEs and expand promotional efforts to support the success of IFW 2026. “Fashion is not merely a trend, but a vital pillar of the national creative economy that is ready to go global,” he said.

The fashion subsector continues to show positive growth. From January to April 2026, it accounted for 58.55 percent of total creative economy exports, supported by the success of last year’s IFW, which involved more than 200 brands and designers, 4,000 creative workers, 34,000 visitors, and a 50 percent increase in digital transactions.

APPMI Chairperson Poppy Dharsono appreciated the Ministry’s support in strengthening the capacity of local designers. “We are ready to work together with the Ministry to expand the promotion of creative products and open broader market access at the international level,” she said.

IFW 2026 is scheduled to take place from July 29 to August 2, 2026, at JICC Senayan under the theme “Ulos Simetria.” The event will feature fashion shows, business matchmaking, industry forums, a bazaar, talks, and entertainment, while highlighting the rich textile heritage and culture of North Sumatra as its primary inspiration. ***