The main markets include Japan, the United States, and Europe.
"This is a rather unique phenomenon, as the export market had basically managed to increase amid the COVID-19 pandemic," the minister remarked while attending the official opening of National Batik Day themed “Unrelenting Creativity” marked by series of activities held virtually from Jakarta, Friday.
Kartasasmita noted that efforts to open new markets at the global level are projected to help revamp the performance of the Indonesian batik industry in addition to further introducing Indonesian batik.
The minister noted that taking into account the existing conditions, apart from being a cultural heritage, batik is also an important industrial commodity.
This industry is viewed as having great leverage in creating added value and boosting trade and the amount of investment in addition to having an impact on other industries as well as the speed of market penetration.
"The Ministry of Industry continues to strive to preserve and encourage the development of the national batik industry to make it more globally competitive," Kartasasmita stated.
According to the Industry Ministry’s data, 47 thousand businesses in the batik industry are spread across 101 centers and employ over 200 thousand people.
The Minister of Industry affirmed that the batik industry had also played a crucial role in contributing to the country's foreign exchange. Related news: Foreign Ministry to incorporate batik subject in diplomatic education
Related news: 500 craftsmen participate in National Batik Day 2019
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Translator: Sella Panduarsa Gareta/Aria Ci
Editor: Suharto
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