Jepara's furniture and carving industry has become a major focus for Regent Witiarso Utomo and Vice Regent Muhammad Ibnu Hajar. In a bid to expand the market, Witiarso met with the Spanish Ambassador to Indonesia, Francisco de Asís Aguilera, in Jakarta on 14 March 2025. During the meeting, they discussed potential collaborations, particularly in the furniture and investment sectors. Witiarso expressed hopes of increasing Jepara's furniture market, especially in Spain, where the furniture industry is well-established. Ambassador Aguilera was enthusiastic about the potential for Jepara's unique carved furniture to enrich Spain's furniture designs.
Ambassador Aguilera also highlighted Valencia as Spain’s furniture hub, much like Jepara in Indonesia, and mentioned the Feria Hábitat Valencia, an international furniture exhibition that attracts global visitors. He emphasized that Jepara’s distinctive carved designs would add artistic value to Spain’s furniture offerings. Witiarso hopes to forge a "Sister City" partnership between Jepara and Valencia, aiming to boost economic, cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges. In addition to trade cooperation, Witiarso proposed investments in the port sector to enhance Jepara’s logistics and accessibility for its furniture industry. Efforts to strengthen Jepara's industry will also involve promoting the city to international investors.
Monday, 17 March 2025 10:21
Expanding the Market to Spain, Witiarso Strives to Develop Jepara's Furniture Industry
