Heaptalk, Jakarta – The Association of Exporters and Producers of Indonesian Handicraft (ASEPHI) discussed several initiatives with the Government to drive Indonesia’s craft industry following the organizing of the largest Southeast Asia craft expo Inacraft on October.
The Chairman of ASEPHI, Muchsin Ridjan, during the exclusive interview with Heaptalk, conveyed, “President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo instructed us to open opportunities for young generation, providing them a space to explore more. We hope Inacraft can assist them in attaining their target market.” (10/04)
In addition, Muchsin Ridjan also stated that ASEPHI has initiated the establishment of galleries in airports to showcase national craft products. The outlet is expected to assist ASEPHI’s members – consisting of craftsmen across Indonesia – to promote their products, enhance brand awareness, and boost the number of sales.
Moreover, this innovation will facilitate local and international tourists to find traditional souvenirs easily. Regarding this idea, Muchsin conveyed that ASEPHI obtained a positive response from President Jokowi.
“We initiated the opening of a showcase in airport and President Jokowi has coordinated with the Governor to prepare a gallery. We do not know the outlet’s name yet, maybe emporium or gallery. The decision is on the Governor’s hand,” voiced Muchsin.
Muchsin also conveyed that ASEPHI is really concerned about Tiktok’s controversy, which slows down the MSMEs’ growth. The association, whose members are MSMEs, declares its support to the Government to overcome this issue.
“We know that the presence of TikTok become a real problem (for MSMEs). We support the Government, particularly Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs and Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, to shut down the platform, and monitor the issue,” said Muchsin.
For information, ASEPHI is the association that hold Inacraft, the largest handicraft expo in Southeast Asia. In organizing this expo, ASEPHI has collaborated with Mediatama as the event organizer, and supported by SOEs, as well as five ministries, including Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Ministry of Industry, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
