The minister made the announcement on Thursday at a shipping event for Converse shoes made by PT Yih Quan Footwear Indonesia, located in the Batang Industropolis Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Central Java.
“This shows that Indonesia can produce shoes that meet international standards,” he said, pointing to the success of Converse exports as proof.
He highlighted the achievement of PT Yih Quan Footwear as a concrete example of successful investment in the Batang Special Economic Zone.
Beyond export performance, Kartasasmita also emphasized the positive impact of the footwear sector on local employment. Since February 2025, the workforce in this industry has increased by approximately 35 percent compared to the previous year.
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He stated that the government continues to strengthen the national manufacturing industry by offering various incentive programs, including a five percent credit interest subsidy on loans for businesses in the industrial sector.
The government expressed hope that the export efforts by PT Yih Quan Footwear Indonesia will not only expand market reach but also make a significant contribution to the country's foreign exchange earnings.
"With the support of the Industropolis Special Economic Zone Batang, Indonesia is expected to become an increasingly important player in the global supply chain for world-class brand products," he stated.
On Thursday, 20,000 pairs of Converse shoes made at the Batang factory were shipped to the United States and Australia. The company also exports to 37 other countries, including Belgium, Mexico, and Canada.
Converse, a well-known global brand owned by Nike, has relied on Indonesian manufacturers for years to meet its production needs.
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Translator: Kutnadi, Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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