TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita reported an increase in batik industry exports amid the COVID-19 pandemic to US$21.54 million from January to July 2020, compared to the same period last year at US$ 17.99 million. Indonesia’s main market exports include Japan, the United States, and Europe.

“This phenomenon is quite unique that the export markets are able to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Agus while opening the 2020 National Batik Day virtually in Jakarta, Friday, October 2, 2020.

Agus said measures to open new global markets were expected to help revive the performance of the Indonesian batik industry, as well as to further promote Indonesian batik.

Apart from being a cultural heritage, he said, batik was also an important industrial commodity. The industry is considered to have great leverage in boosting added value, trade, amount of investment, impact on other industries, and speed of market penetration.

"The Industry Ministry is striving to preserve and push the development of the national batik industry to make it more globally competitive,” Agus remarked.

According to the ministry’s data, the batik industry has now reached 47,000 units and is spread across 101 centers and employs more than 200,000 people. Agus added that the batik industry had also played a major role in contributing to the country's foreign exchange.

Read: President Jokowi Encourages Use of Batik Face Masks on Batik Day

ANTARA