President Jokowi Encourages Development of Indonesia’s Muslim Clothing

President Jokowi is watching fashion show at the opening of Muslim Fashion Festival Indonesia 2018, at Plenary Hall, JCC, Jakarta, Thursday (19/4). (Photo: Deni S/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo encouraged Indonesian Muslim designers to develop Muslim fashion with Indonesia’s characteristics.

The President made this statement at the opening of Muslim Fashion Festival (Mufest) Indonesia 2018 at Plenary Hall, Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Jakarta, Thursday (19/4).

“Just like Muslim fashion in Saudi Arabia, Emirates, Turkey – they have their own style. We also have to develop Muslim fashion style with Indonesia’s characteristic,” the President said.

According to the President, the best fashion is the one that can create a mix of traditional and modern style, so the people can see the characteristic of Indonesia clearly.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also encouraged Muslim clothing businessmen to collaborate and synergize with other sectors, for example sports sector. “I see an innovation from Nike namely Nike Pro Hijab,” the President said.

In addition to that, President Jokowi also mentioned that a good product for sports performance is a product whose design is comfortable enough without hindering body movement. “So athletes can have optimal clothing to excel in sports, as well as reflects the elements of Muslim fashion,” President Jokowi added.

President Jokowi also advised those involved in Muslim fashion business to be aware to the latest developments in technology, citing the examples of tremendous growth of e-commerce sector and rapid technological developments of fabrics and textiles.

Regarding e-commerce itself, the President reminded those involved in Muslim fashion business  to address this issue seriously. According to the President, there are many examples in Indonesia and other countries, where many shops and malls are rather empty as the impact of shifting consumption patterns from offline to online. Thus, the President added, many complaints come from retail sector, but the fact their business is down because they are unable to keep up with the trend.

President Jokowi also acknowledged that there is one very successful Indonesia start-up company namely hijup.com that offers great products and website. “I heard their service is very good and they also export their products abroad,” said President Jokowi, adding that it is an example of a very good approach and very progressive way by using e-commerce to run Muslim fashion industry in the 21st century.

Also attending the event were Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Industry Airlangga Hartarto, and Coordinator of Special Staff for the President Teten Masduki. (DNA / DNS / ES) (STU/EP/Naster)