Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan has encouraged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the Galeri Sentra Batik Pewarna Alam Gunung Pati in Semarang, Central Java, to explore export markets. One key opportunity for this is participation in the 39th Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI), scheduled for October 9-12, 2024, aimed at boosting the global presence of Indonesian products. During a visit and dialogue with 100 SME participants at the Galeri Sentra Batik Pewarna Alam Gunung Pati on Saturday, June 8, Minister Zulkifli Hasan highlighted his commitment to supporting SMEs, especially those with distinctive regional products like batik, which has gained international recognition. He praised the government's ongoing support for artisans, industries, and SMEs in the batik sector. The Galeri Sentra Batik Pewarna Alam Gunung Pati, located in Malon village, is one of 16 areas designated for the Thematic Village Program in Semarang. Batik artisans in the Batik Kampung Malon group use natural dyes derived from plants such as indigo leaves, mangrove waste, mahogany bark, sappanwood, tegeran, and jelawe, promoting environmental sustainability and appealing to international buyers.
Minister Zulkifli Hasan urged SMEs from Galeri Sentra Batik Pewarna Alam Gunung Pati to participate in TEI 2024, with local government assistance to help promote their products globally. Additionally, Minister Zulkifli Hasan emphasized the importance of collaboration among various parties to promote Indonesian products. He mentioned that the Ministry of Trade has overseas representatives, such as the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) and Trade Attachés (Atdag), to assist SMEs in marketing their products globally. "The key is collaboration between batik entrepreneurs, local governments, the central government, ambassadors, and trade representatives worldwide. Ambassadors and trade representatives will bring foreign buyers to TEI 2024, ensuring effective cooperation," he concluded. The visit also included the Acting Head of the Central Java Provincial Industry and Trade Office, Sakina Rosellasari, and the Director-General of Domestic Trade, Isy Karim.
