Indonesian Muslim Fashion Designers Aim for Muslim Fashion District
Chairman of Indonesian Fashion Chamber (IFC) answers questions from journalists after meeting with President Jokowi at Bogor Presidential Palace, Thursday (26/4). (Photo by: Public Relations Division of Cabinet Secretariat/ Agung).
National Committee for the Economy and Industry (KEIN) invited stakeholders of Indonesian Muslim fashion, including related ministries and government institutions, following the instruction of President Joko Jokowi Widodo to strengthen Indonesian Muslim fashion.
Irfan Wahid, Head of Creative Industry Working Group, National Economic and Industry Committee (KEIN) made the statement after accompanying Indonesian Fashion Chamber (IFC) met with President Jokowi at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Thursday (26/4).
In the meantime, Ali Charisma, Chairman of IFC said that he has offered a program to introduce Indonesian Muslim fashion to the world.
“We know that Paris is famous for Haute Couture, Milan for Ready to Wear, America for Sport Wear, Turkey for Contemporary Wear, London for Street Wear, and Indonesia is famous for its Moslem Wear,” Ali said.
According to the IFC Chairman, it is better to bring international business people to Indonesia instead of sending local business people abroad. “It’s much more efficient and beneficial for fashion entrepreneurs in terms of cost and is also good for promoting Indonesia as the center of world Muslim Fashion, Ali added.
He further said that Indonesian market share is compatible with the Muslim fashion market in the world since Indonesia has a wide variety of products.
“The characteristic of our Muslim fashion is very diverse, compatible with Middle Eastern Muslim, compatible with American Muslim, compatible with European Muslim, Turkey Muslim, and Asian Muslim. Here in Indonesia, we have everything. It is one of the strengths that Indonesian Moslem fashion has, which make it possible to penetrate global market and dominate local market,” Ali said.
Irfan Wahid known as Ipang- also said that the meeting reached the agreement to create Muslim Fashion District and there are several proposed places for the district, including Pasar Baru or Kota Tua.
According to Ipang, the District is inspired by Tokyos Harajuku, and will specifically sell Muslim fashion. Ipang hopes that the district will attract tourists and will help Indonesia to become the prominent producers, not the consumers, of Muslim fashion.
In line with Ipang, Euis Saedah, Secretary General of the National Craft Council (Dekranas), said that Islamic Fashion Institute was established in Bandung about 3 years ago to improve the quality of human resources in Muslim Fashion. The institute has produced more than a hundred graduates and counting.
“We are currently working with Adelaide University to improve our skills in technology, particularly in designing. Today we use information technology in designing instead of manual drawing, “Euis said.
The Government cooperation with the fashion industry, according to Euis, is still under consideration in terms of the kind of support that the Government will provide, and the Ministry responsible for coordinating the support.
Regarding the strengthening of local wisdom, both Euis and Ali said that the diversity of Indonesia will make Indonesian Muslim fashion acceptable anywhere in the world.
President Jokowi, according to IFC Chairman, gives positive response and asks the designers to adapt with the international business style which has two seasons, to attract international buyers and media.
“We will follow the two seasons styles: spring/summer and autumn/winter. It will affect the business in Indonesia, and make it very dynamic, “Ali concluded. (MAY/AGG/EN) (RI/MMB/Naster)
