Become World Market Leader, National Batik Export Value Reaches USD 51 Million

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta, Batik industry has an important role in the growth of national economy. In addition, the national batik industry also has a competitive and competitive competitiveness in the international market.

Sectors are dominated by small and medium industries (IKM) are able to contribute significant foreign exchange of the country from exports.

"Indonesia now has become a market leader who controls the world batik market," said Director General IKM Ministry of Industry, Gati Wibawaningsih in Jakarta, Wednesday (20/12/2017).

Based on Kemenperin records, the export value of batik and batik products until October 2017 reached USD 51.15 million or up from the achievement of the first semester of 2017 amounted to USD 39.4 million. The main market is destination to Japan, the United States, and Europe.

According to Gati, the world apparel product trade reaching USD442 billion becomes a big opportunity for batik industry to increase its market share, considering batik as one of raw material of apparel product.

"Batik has transformed into various forms of fashion, craft and home decoration that has been able to touch various layers of society from various age groups and livelihoods at home and abroad," he explained.

Until now, IKM batik spread in 101 centers such as in Central Java, West Java, East Java, and D.I Yogyakarta. The number of workers absorbed in the center of IKM batik reached 15 thousand people.

In an effort to boost the productivity and competitiveness of SMEs, Ministry of Industry has undertaken various strategic programs, such as improving human resource competence, product quality development, standardization, facilitation of machinery and equipment, and promotional activities and batik exhibitions at home and abroad.

In order to increase market access, Gati added, it has an IKM e-Smart program that works with several marketplaces. "Through this e-Smart program batik products are encouraged to enter the online market, thus having a wider market reach as it can be accessed by consumers from various regions," he explained.

Ministry of Industry also encourages batik craftsmen to obtain various financing facilities such as people's business credit (KUR), Indonesian Export Financing Institution (LPEI) and other incentives to strengthen their capital structure. "Thus, it is expected that the national batik industry can grow significantly and its competitiveness increases," he added.

Gati hopes, the development of national batik industry can be run in collaboration between the government with academia, business actors, and community.

"This is very important because each stakeholder has a different role, so with this synergy the development of national batik industry will be integrated and sustainable from upstream to downstream," lid Gati.