RRI.CO.ID, Denpasar – Indonesian Deputy Minister of Trade, Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, has encouraged Nusantara textiles to become both a cultural force and an economic driver capable of competing in the global market. She made the remarks while delivering a speech at the opening of Sanur Fashion Week (SFW) 2026, held at Icon Bali Mall in Denpasar, Bali, on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

“SFW 2026 is not merely an event to showcase fashion creations, but also an opportunity to introduce the nation’s identity, encourage the creativity of Indonesians, and strengthen optimism about the future of Indonesia’s fashion industry. This is in line with the belief that culture is the root, creativity is the strength, and trade is the bridge that brings Indonesian creations to global recognition,” said Roro.

She noted that Indonesia possesses a wealth of traditional textiles that serve as a distinctive advantage, including batik, woven fabrics, songket, Balinese endek, lurik, ulos, sasirangan, and various other Nusantara textiles. Each motif and color carries a philosophy that reflects the nation’s identity.

Nevertheless, Roro stressed that cultural heritage would remain alive only if it continued to be used, developed, and given room for innovation. Therefore, designers, artisans, businesspeople, and the younger generation have an important role to play in creating works that remain relevant to the times without abandoning their cultural values.

Roro also called on all stakeholders to build a strong fashion industry ecosystem through the spirit of Indonesia Incorporated, as initiated by Indonesian President, Prabowo Subianto. Through collaboration among the government, business sector, creative communities, academics, associations, and the public, the national fashion industry is expected to become increasingly competitive and sustainable.

“When artisans produce their finest work, designers deliver innovation, businesses expand their markets, and the administration opens access to trade, we can build an ecosystem that strengthens Indonesia’s fashion industry through this collaboration and through the public’s pride in using domestic products,” she explained.

Roro further said that the fashion industry plays a strategic role because it is not only an expression of art and culture but also has the capacity to create jobs. In addition, the industry can drive the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), increase added value, and open up export opportunities.

In her view, global consumers today are not seeking quality products alone, but also products with identity, stories, and cultural value. Fashion industry players therefore need to continue maintaining quality, strengthening innovation, developing competitive brands, and utilizing digital technology to expand their market reach.

As part of efforts to broaden market access, the Ministry of Trade continues to support businesses through trade promotion and business-matching facilitation. This support is further strengthened by utilizing the network of Indonesian Trade Representatives in various countries.

Roro also invited fashion industry players to take advantage of Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2026, which will be held from October 14 to 18, 2026, at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) BSD City, Tangerang Regency, Banten Province.

She said TEI represented a strategic opportunity to expand business networks, meet buyers from various countries, and create greater export opportunities for Indonesian fashion products and Nusantara textiles. On the occasion, Roro also expressed her appreciation to all parties involved in organizing SFW 2026.

Carrying the theme Woven in Cultural Legacy, SFW 2026 was considered a reminder that every Nusantara textile is a highly valuable cultural heritage. This heritage records history, life values, skills, and local wisdom passed down from generation to generation.

“The organization of SFW 2026 in Bali holds strategic significance because Bali is Indonesia’s showcase to the world. We hope this event will not only serve as a platform for appreciating creative works, but also as a space for collaboration that brings together designers, artisans, businesses, buyers, investors, and business partners, thereby helping drive the growth of the national fashion industry,” added Roro.

Roro also expressed her hope that SFW, which is being held for the first time this year, would continue in the years ahead. Through its sustained organization, the event is expected to promote the growth of the national fashion industry while introducing Nusantara textiles to the global market.

On the same occasion, Roro called on all stakeholders to continue strengthening collaboration in building an advanced, competitive, and sustainable Indonesian fashion industry. She expressed optimism that, through the spirit of Indonesia Incorporated, Indonesia would be known not only as a country rich in culture, but also as a hub for the creation of high-quality fashion products capable of becoming the choice of consumers worldwide.

Also in attendance were Deputy Minister of Culture, Giring Ganesha Djumaryo, and Director of Export Development for Services and Creative Products at the Ministry of Trade, Ari Satria. Speaking at the event, Co-Founder of Cap Bali and the initiator of SFW 2026, I Wayan Gede Ari Danangga, said that cultural preservation and expanded market access must go hand in hand to strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesia’s fashion industry.

“The Ministry of Trade has a strategic role in opening market access, strengthening the capacity of business players, and expanding trade networks into international markets,” said Ari. (Annaila Azzahra-EN)