The Indonesian furniture industry continues to thrive, contributing significantly with a total of USD 1.8 billion throughout 2023. Additionally, the January 2024 Industrial Confidence Index (ICI) for the furniture industry reached 52.38, signaling expansion and indicating the confidence of furniture businesses in their current conditions. Reni Yanita, Director General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industry (IKMA) at the Ministry of Industry, emphasized the potential for Indonesia's furniture industry to penetrate global markets. She highlighted the positive influence of recovering tourism and the demand for residential and office spaces on the furniture market. The Ministry of Industry encourages innovation among domestic furniture industry players, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to enhance competitiveness globally. As part of this effort, the Ministry facilitated the participation of furniture industry SMEs in the Indonesia International Furniture Expo (IFEX), held from February 29 to March 3, 2024, at JIExpo Kemayoran.
IFEX, an annual event and the largest furniture expo in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, consistently contributes positively to the development of Indonesia's furniture industry. The availability of raw materials and the skills of craftsmen further position Indonesia as a significant player in furniture industry development. In support of the sector, the Ministry of Industry ensures coordination with relevant stakeholders to secure raw material availability, provide incentives for investment and exports, and support various promotional initiatives, including the organization of IFEX. Since 2007, the Ministry has regularly assisted furniture SMEs through the IKMA Directorate General in participating in the IFEX exhibition. Starting in 2022, 24 companies have undergone a restructuring program for wood processing and furniture industrial machinery and equipment, with an allocated budget of IDR 7.5 billion for 2024 to continue supporting this initiative. In conjunction with IFEX 2024, the Ministry of Industry conducted webinars and site visits facilitated by coaches from CBI Netherlands, along with the Business Export Development Organization (BEDO), and provided booth space for 11 supported SMEs.
