VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said that batik exports increased amid the COVID-19 pandemic to $21.54 million in January - July 2020 compared to the same period last year $17.99 million with the main market to Japan, the United States, and Europe.

"This phenomenon is quite unique because the export market increases during the COVID-19 pandemic," the Minister of Industry said while attending the inauguration of the 2020 National Batik Day in Jakarta, Friday.

The Minister of Industry said that efforts to open new markets at the global level are expected to help revive the performance of the Indonesian batik industry and to further introduce Indonesian batik.

He said he seeing the existing conditions apart from being a cultural heritage, batik is also an important industrial commodity.

This industry is considered to have great leverage in creating added value, trade, the amount of investment, the impact on other industries, and 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," Agus said.

According to data from the Ministry of Industry, the batik industry has reached 47,000 units and is spread across 101 centers and employs over 200,000 people.

Agus added that the batik industry has also played a major role in contributing to the country's foreign exchange. (Antaranews)