VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesian furniture industry was one of priorities and top sector which can give significant contribution towards national economic growth especially foreign exchange. That was stated by Cooperatives and Small Medium Enterprises Minister Teten Masduki when opening the 5^th Jogja International Furniture and Craft Fair Indonesia (JIFFINA) in Yogyakarta over the weekend. This exhibition was held at Jogja Expo Center Yogyakarta on March 17.

Teten Masduki said, Indonesia has long tradition, raw material, strong craftsmen, and high demand of domestic furniture abroad. In addition,  Indonesian president has also set furniture as a top product for export.

Therefore, Cooperatives and Small Medium Enterprises gave appreciation for the exhibition, since it can facilitate interaction between furniture businesspeople, buyers, and other parties.

However, the minister also reminded that Indonesian export is still the smallest or only two percent in the available global market. Therefore, this became a challenge for all especially the industry players to seize the great export opportunity to be synergized. Teten Masduki also reminded, furniture sector is very dynamic and rapidly developing. If Indonesia cannot follow global market’s taste both in design material, and other things, the country can lose the competition. World also pays more respect to environment. Therefore, Indonesian furniture industry must also be sustainable.

Related to that, Cooperatives and Small Medium Ministry joined hands with Industry Ministry to develop human resources, technology application, funding, and partnership amongst craftsmen, big businesspeople, and buyers.

Meanwhile, Java-Bali Jogja International Furniture and Craft Fair Indonesia-JIFFINA Forum Head Timbul Raharjo in his remark said this exhibition became important strategic program for promotion and effort to seize creative product market to the buyers.

Timbul Raharjo further said, the 5^th JIFFINA is important, because related ministries also gave support and they already had significant number of confirmed foreign buyers. By displaying furniture designs and crafts with artistic presentation, JIFFINA becomes the best exhibition in Indonesia.