The Indonesian Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) aims to boost the furniture sector's contribution to the national manufacturing industry. According to Kemenperin data, Indonesia's furniture industry recorded 0.5% year-on-year (yoy) growth in H1 2024, up from a decline of 2.04% (yoy) by the end of 2023. Masrokhan, Head of the Industrial Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDMI), emphasized that this growth strategy involves fostering collaboration among the government, industry players, and academia. Through Kemenperin’s Polytechnic for Furniture and Wood Processing Industry (Polifurneka) in Kendal, stakeholders aim to advance the sector nationally. "With Polifurneka Kendal, the government, industry players, and academia collaborate in developing skilled human resources for the furniture industry," Masrokhan stated in a press release on 10 November 2024.
The recently held FurneCraft Expo 2024 (7–10 November) served as a platform for collaboration and innovation in furniture, aligning traditional practices with modern advancements. Bambang Rudi Hartono, Secretary of the Semarang City Industry Department, highlighted the government's role in supporting local industries like furniture, natural-dyed batik, local cuisine, and metalworking. Polifurneka’s Deputy Director III, Alfani Risman, noted that this event also facilitated knowledge sharing and expanded business networks. The expo attracted participants from the Indonesian Furniture and Handicraft Association (ASMINDO), the Indonesian Furniture and Craft Industry Association (HIMKI), the Indonesian Furniture Designers Association (HDMI), the Indonesian Interior Designers Association (HDII), and various industry partners. "This exhibition is not only a furniture showcase but also a space for knowledge exchange, networking, and expanding opportunities for SMEs in the furniture sector," Risman stated.
