Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan inaugurated the export of home decor products, including lamps and mirrors made from natural fibers, produced by the SME CV Palem Craft in Bantul, Yogyakarta, on Saturday, 6 July 2024. The shipment to Spain is valued at USD 7,000. From January to July 2024, CV Palem Craft's total export value reached USD 245,000 (IDR 3.99 billion). The main export destinations include Spain, France, India, the United States, the Netherlands, Australia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and the Maldives. CV Palem Craft's exports are projected to reach USD 500,000 in 2024. Minister Zulkifli Hasan emphasized that this export event represents the government's support for SMEs and aims to boost Indonesian exports. "The key is cooperation. Central and regional governments must collaborate to identify local potentials. Java is a hub for trade and industry, and more SMEs should thrive. The government must support export-oriented SMEs and develop non-traditional markets. Be unique and make Indonesia proud," he said.
Zulkifli stressed the importance of Indonesian home decor products being the best and distinct to compete globally. The event was attended by Yogyakarta's Secretary Beny Suharsono, Bantul’s Secretary for Cooperatives, SMEs, Industry and Trade Husin Bahri, Yogyakarta's Head of Industry and Trade Syam Arjayanti, and CV Palem Craft CEO Deddy Effendy. Accompanying the Minister were Acting Secretary General Suhanto, Acting Director General of National Export Development Mardyana Listyowati, Head of Trade Policy Agency Kasan, and Director of Export Development for Creative Products Merry Maryati. The Minister praised CV Palem Craft for its continuous export efforts and competitiveness in the home decor sector. He hopes more entrepreneurs will expand to other potential markets. CV Palem Craft not only utilizes natural fibers but also involves artisans and farmers from across Indonesia, employing over 1,000 craftsmen. Zulkifli Hasan highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to expanding export markets, particularly non-traditional ones, such as South Asia, Bangladesh, India, Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. The Ministry supports national export growth through strategies like Free Trade Agreements (FTA), Preferential Trade Agreements (PTA), Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA), and promotional events such as the Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) scheduled for 9-12 October 2024 in Tangerang, Banten.
