Despite a decline in revenue targets, organizers of Inacraft, Indonesia’s largest handicraft exhibition, remain confident in the resilience of both participants and international buyers as they prepare to expand the event globally.

The Association of Exporters and Producers of Indonesian Handicraft (ASEPHI) revealed that this year’s revenue target has been adjusted to Rp80 billion (US$4.8 million), down from Rp100 billion last year, due to ongoing economic challenges. Still, organizers insisted the event continues to attract strong interest from foreign buyers.

“We are still optimistic. If we weren’t, we wouldn’t bother arranging permits and preparing for the exhibition. Participants still need a platform like this,” ASEPHI’s international cooperation division, Baby Jurmawati spoke to Indonesia Business Post on the sidelines of Inacraft 2025 press conference on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

Although the number of buyers has decreased compared with previous years, the event still managed to draw interest from 13 countries, led by Malaysia, Japan, and Belgium. One participant from Uzbekistan withdrew at the last minute, but ASEPHI noted that most embassies, particularly Indonesia’s foreign missions (KBRI), played a significant role in securing buyers.

To stimulate spending, ASEPHI has introduced incentives, including cashback programs, to encourage buyers to place orders. “This is part of our effort to ensure continued transactions, even in challenging times,” Baby said.

World Tour

In addition to the domestic exhibition, ASEPHI has been pushing for global exposure through the Inacraft World Tour. Earlier this year, a delegation joined the Lifestyle Week Osaka in Japan, under a collaboration with RX Japan, one of the country’s leading trade fair organizers.

The Osaka event was crowded, thanks in part to momentum from the World Expo, but Indonesian fashion products faced mixed results. “The Japanese market is more inclined toward small crafts and accessories rather than fashion. Still, six Indonesian participants managed to generate promising leads,” Baby cited.

The effort gained support from the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) and the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center(ITPC) in Japan. Both institutions have expressed interest in hosting a dedicated Inacraft program in Osaka in the near future.

ASEPHI is now planning a broader “Inacraft Around the World” series, targeting five regions, Africa, the Americas, and Europe, with events to be held every two years. The concept includes not only exhibitions but also fashion shows, workshops, and sustainability programs.

Preparation for the African leg of the tour is already underway. ASEPHI has invited partners such as the World Crafts Council (WCC) and the Nelson Mandela Foundation to collaborate, alongside Indonesian embassies and potential corporate sponsors.

“We have already approached Bank Mandiri for support. They showed interest during Inacraft and even visited booths to identify which products would be most suitable for promotion abroad,” Baby, who also represents Indonesia in the World Craft Council (WCC), said.

While challenges remain, particularly in aligning products with diverse international markets, the association is determined to make Inacraft a truly global brand representing Indonesia’s creative industry.