Batik Exports in 2020 Reach US$533 Million, Says Industry Ministry

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Industry Ministry reported that the export value of batik in 2020 reached US$533 million. During the first quarter of 2021, it hit US$157.8 million.

“The batik industry, which is part of the textile industry, is also one of the leading sectors in the implementation of the integrated roadmap Making Indonesia 4.0,” said Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita at the virtual celebration event of the 2021 National Batik Day in Jakarta, Wednesday, October 7.

The batik industry has thus far significantly contributed to the national economy, including by creating many job opportunities as it is dominated by small and medium-sized industries (MSMEs) that absorb 200,000 workers from 47,000 business units spread across 101 regional centers of the archipelago.

According to the minister, the batik industry received priority development because it is considered to have great leverage in boosting national economic growth.

“Our batik industry is able to make a significant contribution to the national economy and its products are in demand by the global market. The batik industry plays an important role in the national economy and has succeeded in becoming a market leader in the world batik market,” said Agus.

He added that batik is an Indonesian identity and is recognized by UNESCO as one of the world's intangible cultural heritage in the field of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

“In addition, batik is an art included in the creative industry and the trend continues to grow in the community,” Agus said.

Read: Batik Exhibition in Moscow Attended by Nearly 4,000 Visitors

ANTARA