TCF Post Desk
Indonesia’s apparel exports are the backbone of its textile trade, and the government wants to widen that lead by strengthening the sector’s global competitiveness.
Ready-to-wear apparel is already the largest contributor to Indonesia’s textile and textile product (TTP) exports. Between January and August, apparel shipments reached US$5.90 billion, about 72.4 percent of total TTP exports of US$8.15 billion, and rose 2.8 percent from a year earlier. Overall TTP trade produced a surplus of US$2.18 billion over the period.
To sustain that momentum, Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri called for greater use of domestic raw materials, better product design, compliance with international standards, and closer collaboration among manufacturers, designers, and MSMEs.
“Moving forward, we must bolster our competitiveness so that local fashion products are not only recognized but also capable of competing and gaining greater appeal among global consumers,” she said.
She added that Indonesia must deepen upstream-to-downstream industry integration, keep innovating, and work with stakeholders to expand its reach in overseas markets. The push comes as the global ready-to-wear apparel market is projected to reach about US$1.80 trillion.
The Trade Ministry has pledged support through product development, trade promotion, and market expansion. Retail platforms such as FashionLink and Dewi’s Luxe Market, which appeared at Jakarta Fashion Week 2027, were cited as channels linking local creators and MSMEs with international buyers.
Roro also pointed to the ministry’s second-year partnership with Singapore-based DORS, saying she hopes it will grow beyond exhibitions and fashion shows into lasting business relationships that create real opportunities for Indonesian designers and business operators.
