President Jokowi Expects Furniture Industry to Post Double Digit Growth

President Jokowi accompanied by Trade Minister and Cabinet Secretary visits the 2019 Indonesia International Furniture Expo (IFEX), at JI-Expo Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, Wednesday (13/3). (Photo by: Rahmat/PR)

Indonesian furniture products which keep improving in term of quality and design must still be coupled with significant research and development (R&D), be it in the fields of technology, design, and raw material, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“I have noticed an improvement, particularly in design quality. Several buyers have also told me that products’ design has improved significantly. I think we must appreciate it,” President Jokowi told reporters after visiting the 2019 Indonesia International Furniture Expo (IFEX), at JI-Expo Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, Wednesday (13/3).

The President added that the production of Indonesian furniture products still can grow by twice or more. However, he added that fundamental issues including availability of raw materials at affordable price must be addressed first.

“For example complaints about lack of availability of rattan as raw materials which should not have happened in the first place since Indonesia is one of the world’s largest rattan producers. We should not let other countries outrun us. Indonesian woods, wooden products and furniture products should not be of lower quality compared with those from other countries since we have abundant raw materials,” President Jokowi said, adding that the Government will discuss with furniture industry players to seek a concrete solution.

Complaints on raw materials came in the wake of the earthquakes that hit Sulawesi which also affected the supply of rattan to the industry in Cirebon, Solo, and other areas.

President Jokowi expressed hope that the wooden, rattan, and bamboo furniture industry can achieve a double digit growth rate since the growth in 2014 only reached 4 percent. “We expect the industry can achieve a double digit growth this year and the following year,” he added.

For the record, the 2019 IFEX which is held at JI-Expo Convention Centre and Theatre, Kemayoran from 11 to 14 March 2019 is the largest B2B (business to business) furniture and crafts event in Indonesia and in the region. (FID/AIT/RAH/ES)

Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : M. Ersan Pamungkas