Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The Ministry of Trade, in collaboration with the Indonesian Furniture and Craft Industry Association (HIMKI), officially launched the Indonesia International Furniture Expo (IFEX) 2026 at the Ministry of Trade office in Jakarta on Wednesday (May 21).
IFEX 2026 is scheduled to take place on March 5–8, 2026, at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE), BSD City, Tangerang Regency, Banten.
Trade Minister Budi Santoso stated that the event reflects a strong commitment to the synergy between the government and industry players in supporting the growth of national exports.
IFEX 2026 is set to serve as a major driver for the furniture and handicraft sectors, which have significant potential in the global market.
“We appreciate the collaborative efforts of industry associations, businesses, and other stakeholders to improve Indonesia’s non-oil and gas export performance through promotional events such as trade exhibitions.
Through IFEX, we hope Indonesia will increasingly establish itself as a competitive supplier of furniture and handicrafts in the global market,” said Minister Budi Santoso in his official statement on Wednesday (May 21, 2025).
Minister Santoso also noted that Indonesia is recognized as one of the world’s top producers of high-quality furniture.
The country is blessed with abundant natural materials and is supported by superior production capabilities in both aesthetics and functionality.
These strengths give Indonesian furniture a competitive edge in the global market.
“Indonesian furniture and craft entrepreneurs have also begun to implement sustainability principles in their business practices, adding more value and enhancing the international image of Indonesian products,” he added.
Although Indonesia has shown positive growth, Minister Santoso emphasized the need to further boost exports to compete with other major producers such as Vietnam and Malaysia.
“In addition, global economic uncertainty and tariff policies from countries like the United States can also affect the performance of Indonesia’s furniture and handicraft industries,” he said.
From January to March 2025, Indonesia’s furniture and handicraft exports reached USD 644.83 million, marking a 0.85 percent increase compared to the same period the previous year.
The main export destinations include the United States, Japan, the Netherlands, Germany, and France.
In 2024, Indonesia ranked 20th among global exporters of furniture and handicrafts, with total exports reaching USD 2.43 billion.
The Minister of Trade stated that the Ministry has several strategic programs to support the export of furniture and handicrafts.
One such initiative includes trade promotion through business matching activities that connect Indonesian businesses with potential international buyers.
“From January to April 2025, there were 246 business matching activities, consisting of 165 presentations with Indonesian trade representatives (pitching) and 81 meetings with buyers, resulting in a total transaction value of USD 57.61 million,” said the Minister.
Additionally, the Ministry runs a product design development program through the Indonesia Design Development Center (IDDC), aimed at producing export-ready products and enhancing competitiveness.
The Ministry also collaborates with HIMKI on programs such as Designers Dispatch Services (DDS) and Local Business Export Coaching (LBEC) to provide training for HIMKI-assisted entrepreneurs.
“We will also host the 40th annual Trade Expo Indonesia on October 15–19, 2025, at ICE, BSD City, Tangerang Regency, Banten. Through these programs, we hope Indonesian furniture products will become even more competitive in the global market,” concluded Minister Santoso.
Meanwhile, HIMKI Chairman Abdul Sobur, who attended the launch, expressed his appreciation for the full support from the Ministry of Trade for the organization of IFEX 2026.
He emphasized that the involvement of 46 Indonesian trade representatives in 33 countries is a major strength in expanding exhibition promotion and attracting international buyers.
“The Ministry’s trade representatives around the world can help connect Indonesian entrepreneurs with potential international buyers,” said Abdul.
