Indonesia's Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, has emphasized the rapid growth of Indonesia's creative industries, with fashion emerging as a primary contributor to its exports. "Fashion alone contributes a significant 62% to our creative economy exports," stated Minister Sandiaga during his attendance at the East Java Fashion Harmony (EJFH) event in Pantai Midodaren, Tulungagung, on Saturday, 22 June 2024. Additionally, fashion has contributed 18% to Indonesia's creative economy value added, placing Indonesia among the top three globally after the United States and South Korea. "Indonesia now ranks third globally, supporting 25 million jobs," he added. Minister Sandiaga expressed hopes for continuous innovation and development within the creative industries across different regions. He highlighted how the creative industry has significantly boosted job creation and economic growth nationwide. Sandiaga praised the East Java Fashion Harmony (EJFH) event, regularly organized by the East Java Provincial Government, as a platform for exploring the potential of traditional textiles rich in Indonesian cultural heritage and meaning. "The goal is to enhance productivity and creativity among artisans, thereby strengthening the fashion industry in East Java and contributing to the overall economy," he remarked.
The 6th EJFH event, themed "Rise of Reminiscence," revives the memory of weaving traditions deeply rooted in East Java's history from ancient kingdoms to colonial times, supported by historical inscriptions affirming the art of weaving. At the event held in Pantai Midodaren, Tulungagung, Minister Sandiaga also launched a distinctive East Java fabric named "Omah Budoyo," symbolizing traditional Javanese houses designed with environmental concepts reflecting the cultural character of East Java residents. "This batik motif integrates various cultural patterns distinctive to East Java and is now being mass-produced under official standards," he explained. EJFH 2024 showcased designs ranging from creations by 15 vocational school students, disabled designers, and professionals to international designers and local crafts from across East Java.
