RRI.CO.ID, Kobe –The Indonesian Ministry of Trade, in collaboration with the Indonesian Consulate General in Osaka, is facilitating the expansion of local products into Japan. Sixteen Indonesian brands, ranging from fashion to jewelry, are now featured in a pop‑up store at Kobe Marui Department Store.

The government is actively promoting leading creative products to reach consumers in key export markets. Exhibiting at a prestigious Japanese shopping center is seen as an effective promotional tool for national entrepreneurs.

Director General of National Export Development at the Trade Ministry, Fajarini Puntodewi, said the presence of Indonesian products in Kobe offers an opportunity to expand the marketing of fashion and accessories globally. “This initiative is necessary to show that Indonesian brands have great potential to compete in the global market,” she said in Jakarta on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Indonesian Consul General in Osaka, John Tjahjanto Boestami, noted that Kobe is a major fashion hub with a long tradition and strong appreciation for elegant fashion culture.

As an international port city, Kobe plays a strategic role in Japan’s foreign trade. He urged stakeholders to continue exploring opportunities for cooperation to increase exports of Indonesian creative products. “We see growing enthusiasm in the Japanese market for Indonesian fashion and accessories. The presence of Indonesian products in Kobe is a strategic platform to showcase their superior quality,” he said.

Head of the Indonesia Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) Osaka, Didit Akhdiat Suryo, emphasized that Japanese consumers value quality, design, and products with aesthetic and cultural stories. “The Kobe pop‑up store series is a strategic step to promote and raise awareness of Indonesian fashion and accessories in Japan,” he said.

Designer Zoe Natasha of PROSA Archive described participation as the first step toward serious business expansion. “With the enormous potential of the Japanese market, we hope our products will be well‑received and lead to partnerships with Japanese firms,” she said.

Atikah, owner of Tieka Huza, said the event provides momentum to introduce Indonesian batik with a modern twist. “At the same time, it strengthens our global positioning and brand identity rooted in cultural heritage,” she said. (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)