The activity aims to increase the capacity and competence of small and medium batik enterprises (SMEs) in exporting their products and improve the quality of human resources.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia Eximbank (LPEI) strengthened its collaboration to develop export-oriented industries with batik industry players in Surakarta (Solo) City, Central Java Province, by conducting a focus group discussion themed "Batik Fashion Industry Towards Global Market."

Corporate Secretary of LPEI Chesna F. Anwar noted in a statement as quoted on Tuesday that the focus group discussion was held at the Solo Export House in collaboration with the Surakarta Regional Crafts Council, Directorate General of Customs and Excise of Finance Ministry, Directorate General of Taxes of Finance Ministry, as well as batik cloth exporters.

"The activity aims to increase the capacity and competence of small and medium batik enterprises (SMEs) in exporting their products and improve the quality of human resources," Anwar remarked.

The event discussed the potential, development, and experience of SMEs regarding batik fashion exports.

In addition to the SMEs, the event was attended by the alumni of LPEI’s Coaching Program for New Exporters.

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According to the statement, it was recorded that 47 batik business units across Indonesia were able to absorb up to 200 thousand workers. Thus, it holds vast potential to be developed.

Head of the Economics Department of the Surakarta Regional Crafts Council, Yanti, lauded and welcomed the implementation of the focus group discussion.

"We laud the implementation of the activity that can increase the national batik exports and encourage SMEs to continue to operate in the midst of current hard economic conditions," she affirmed.

The Surakarta Regional Crafts Council had supported development of the batik industry in the city by holding a batik carnival and establishing a batik village, she remarked.

Indonesia commemorates National Batik Day every October 2 to mark the date when the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) acknowledged batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

The Industry Ministry noted that the net value of batik exports had reached US$21.5 million in 2020, an increase from US$18 million in 2019.
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Translator: Citro Atmoko, Uyu Liman
Editor: Suharto
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