Indonesian Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita highlighted the growing trend of sports activities both domestically and globally as an opportunity for local industry players to accelerate the absorption of their products in the market. He emphasized that this trend presents a significant chance for local brands, particularly those producing sports apparel and equipment, to compete with imported products. The Minister pointed out that the sports equipment sector, including items like shoes, clothing, and other gear, holds substantial potential for development, especially in the context of events like the National Sports Week (PON), Indonesia Basketball League (IBL), and international competitions such as the FIFA World Cup. These events offer a prime opportunity for domestic industries to expand their market reach, particularly in non-traditional markets.
Agus noted that sports shoes are among the top nine non-oil and gas processing industry products contributing to exports, with a value of USD 1.86 billion from January to May 2024, marking a 1.04% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The sports equipment industry currently comprises 65 large and medium-scale businesses, employing a total of 12,000 people. Export performance in this sector reached USD 107.4 million from January to May 2024. To further boost the sports industry, Agus stressed the importance of the National Movement Proud of Indonesian Products (Gernas BBI), urging the public to choose local brands over counterfeit foreign products sold at low prices. He called for ongoing efforts to promote pride in Indonesian-made products across all sectors, particularly in sports.
