The Indonesian Footwear Association (Aprisindo) reported a significant increase in new domestic orders for footwear over the past three months, largely driven by the upcoming Eid celebrations. This surge has contributed to the improvement of Indonesia’s Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which rose to 53.6 in February 2025 from 51.9 in January, as reported by S&P Global. According to Aprisindo's Executive Director, Yoseph Billie Dosiwoda, the domestic footwear market has shown its strongest growth since March 2024, boosting optimism within the industry.
As a labor-intensive sector, the footwear industry remains a key contributor to job creation. Despite economic challenges, the sector has not experienced significant layoffs (PHK) and continues to provide employment stability. However, concerns persist regarding declining global export demand, particularly in bonded zones. Billie emphasized the need for government support to maintain a stable business climate amid fluctuating political and market conditions. While the industry may not be the primary driver of PMI growth, it remains an essential pillar of Indonesia’s economy, ensuring workforce absorption and resilience in the manufacturing sector.
