In the opening of GBN 2023, Minister Agus revealed the Batik export value touched US$26.7 million in January – April this year.
Heaptalk, Jakarta — The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko ‘Jokowi‘ Widodo, has inaugurated the opening of the Gelar Batik Nusantara (GBN) 2023 event, which is held on August 2nd – 6th, 2023, at Senayan Park Mall, Jakarta.
During his opening speech, President Jokowi appreciates Batik practitioners in the archipelago who continue to broaden their creativity in creating, producing, and using Batik as the noble creation of the Indonesian nation.
As a symbol of Indonesia’s attractiveness and dignity, Jokowi also explained that Batik is a symbol of the country’s economic growth due to millions of production of types of batik from various Indonesian regions that have unlocked employment opportunities for the community, especially in areas as their livelihood.
“Currently, Indonesia’s economy performed fantastic enhancement, reaching 5.3% last year. Meanwhile, in the second quarter of 2023, our economic progress has attained 5.1%. We have a proper momentum to revive because our economy is improving, both last year, the first quarter, and the second quarter this year. I hope Indonesia’s economic growth will also uplift next year.” Jokowi affirmed.
Simultaneously, Indonesia’s Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, also explained that the Batik industry plays a crucial role in the national economic progress. As the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) noted, Agus delivered the export value of Batik was recorded at US$64.5 million (around Rp980 billion) in 2022, increasing 30.1% compared to 2021. Meanwhile, in January – April this year, he admitted the Batik product export value touched US$26.7 million. Through the GBN 2023, he expects the Batik export value can gain up to US$100 this year.
To increase the competitiveness of the Indonesian Batik industry, the Minister encourages an environmentally friendly batik-making process, which is expected to create efficiency in using raw materials, energy and save water so that less waste is produced. This matter aligns with implementing green industry principles supporting sustainable economic concepts.
“We highly appreciate the Indonesian Batik Foundation (YBI) for its overall endeavors in preserving, developing, protecting, and promoting batik as Indonesia’s cultural heritage.” Minister Agus said.
In its five days implementation, GBN 2023 will feature around 250 booths of Indonesia’s culinary and Batik MSMEs, with a 95% portion of the Batik products displayed. Numerous attractive programs will also enliven this cultural agenda, spanning talk shows, batik competitions, high tea, and fashion show from six Indonesia designers to present their creations for Indramayu’s batik, such as Didi Budiarjo, Chossy Latu, Wilson William, Hutama Adi, Priyo Octaviano, Ghea Panggabean.
