The ongoing global crises have presented an opportunity that the country must seize to meet the world's clothing demand, Industry Ministry's Secretary General Dody Widodo stressed here on Saturday.
Thus far, the textile sector has accounted for around 12.5 percent of the country's economic growth. This growth has been propelled by major exports, he noted.
However, amid the post-pandemic period, domestic textile demand is still quite high. Hence, the production of textiles for domestic consumers must be done in parallel with that for the global audience.
"So that we can develop domestic and export demand as well as share it with the world," he remarked.
To bolster Indonesia's textile industry, the ‘Love for Domestic Products Movement’ must be expanded consistently so that the country's textile industry can continue to compete with overseas products on the global stage.
"If we do not appreciate our market, do not expect that we can maintain this growth. The textile industry is one of the things that has assisted the growth of the national economy," Widodo said.
In addition, the ministry is continuing its efforts to reduce imports that can weaken the domestic industry. The efforts include the import substitution program, he noted.
The government controls imports through commodity balance, wherein it figures out the quantum of supply and demand within society, he explained.
Earlier, Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita noted that the national textile industry is targeted to meet most of the domestic demand by 2025.
It is also expected to boost exports by 15 percent per year, he added in a statement issued on Friday.
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Translator: Bagus Ahmad R, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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