The annual Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair (INACRAFT), Southeast Asia’s largest handicraft exhibition, returned this week with its October edition, spotlighting the rise of young entrepreneurs as drivers of Indonesia’s creative economy.

Trade Minister Budi Santoso underscored the government’s commitment to positioning crafts as both an economic force and a cultural asset.

“Indonesian craft products have extraordinary potential. We are already among the world’s top 11 craft exporters, and our domestic market is very large. Let’s fill it with local products and be proud to wear Indonesian creations,” Budi said at the trade fair opening on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

He noted that Indonesia’s exports grew 7.7 percent through August 2025, generating a surplus of US$29 billion, with crafts contributing significantly. From January to August, the ministry facilitated 942 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in business-matching programs with international buyers, producing US$90.9 million (Rp1.4 trillion) in transactions. Remarkably, 70 percent of these businesses had never been exported before.

“We continue to open trade agreements with non-traditional partners such as Canada, Peru, and Tunisia to create new market access, especially for crafts and MSMEs,” Budi said.

Held on October 1-5, 2025 at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC), the exhibition occupies more than 24,900 square meters and features 843 booths across 10 product zones, from batik and tenun to jewelry, aromatherapy, home décor, and Muslim fashion.

A dedicated space in Hall A showcases 20 youthpreneur booths, while the Talam area highlights Indonesia’s culinary traditions.

Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Handicraft Exporters and Producers (ASEPHI), Muchsin Ridjan, said this year’s theme, Craft, Culture, and Future, embodies a dual mission: sustaining cultural heritage while embracing innovation.

“We want buyers to support not only established exporters, but also 27 promising youthpreneurs,” he said, adding that the Go Green program aims to embed sustainability in the sector.

Despite global uncertainties, organizers target 75,000 visitors, 100 international buyers, Rp80 billion in retail transactions, and US$2 million in trade contracts.

Participants include 601 ASEPHI members, 146 booths from local administrations, 17 from ministries and state-owned enterprises, and 69 independent exhibitors.

The international pavilion, covering 90 square meters, hosts participants from Uzbekistan, Iran, India, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, supported by the World Craft Council International and the ASEAN Gifts & Crafts Federation.

According to ASEPHI, the event not only strengthens Indonesia’s position in the global handicraft industry but also nurtures a new generation of young entrepreneurs ready to take local creativity to international markets.