Jakarta, 4 February 2026 – Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency Teuku Riefky Harsya emphasized the strategic role of women in strengthening Indonesia’s national craft subsector during the opening of the 26th Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair (INACRAFT) 2026. The Minister of Creative Economy stated that women have made tangible contributions to the development of the creative economy.
Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya visited participant booths at the 26th Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair (INACRAFT) 2026 at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC), Jakarta, on Wednesday (4 February 2026).
This year’s INACRAFT marks its 26th edition since its initiation in 1999 and will take place from 4–8 February 2026. For this edition, INACRAFT carries the theme ‘Exploring and Celebrating Womenpreneurs in Craft.’
“Women have become innovators, entrepreneurs, as well as custodians of cultural values who contribute tangibly to strengthening household economies, driving regional economic growth, and producing adaptive and competitive craft products,” said Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky during his remarks at INACRAFT 2026, held at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC) on Wednesday, 4 February 2026.
The exhibition, organized by the Indonesian Handicraft Producers Association (ASEPHI) in collaboration with PT Mediatama Binakreasi, has consistently served as a strategic platform to showcase the contributions of women creative entrepreneurs, particularly in the craft subsector, in promoting innovation, competitiveness, and an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem. Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky further underscored that the craft subsector holds a strategic position within the national creative economy.
Documentation: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Moreover, based on 2025 data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), during the January–November 2025 period, fashion and craft emerged as the two main contributors to Indonesia’s creative economy exports. The data recorded craft export achievements amounting to USD 12,034.1 million.
“This achievement demonstrates that craft is not merely a form of cultural expression, but also a driver of trade and a creator of national economic value added,” Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky affirmed.
In line with efforts to strengthen the craft subsector as a driver of the national creative economy, the Ministry of Creative Economy extended its support to INACRAFT 2026 through its involvement in the judging process of the INACRAFT Awards, as well as by facilitating a showcase of curated craft brands at the Assembly Hall, booths number 8–9.
Three craft brands fostered by the Ministry of Creative Economy are featured at INACRAFT 2026, namely Decak Handmade, presenting sustainable textile patchwork products based on the empowerment of women artisans; Indang Apang Galeri, which elevates rattan weaving into functional works with cultural value; and Elsaria Ulos from North Sumatra, showcasing traditional woven ulos textiles with innovations in motifs and natural dyeing techniques.
Documentation: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
In this year’s edition, INACRAFT also introduces two new categories in the INACRAFT Awards 2026, namely the INACRAFT Digital Excellence Award 2026 and the INACRAFT Womenpreneurs Award 2026, as a form of appreciation for innovations in the use of digital technology and the outstanding contributions of women in the craft subsector.
The opening series of INACRAFT 2026 was enlivened by fashion shows featuring works by women artisans from various regions. A traditional rice-pounding procession called menumbuk lesung was also held as a symbol of women’s perseverance and creativity, while representing the role of womenpreneurs in the craft sector in preserving cultural heritage and driving sustainable creative economic growth.
Those attending the opening of INACRAFT 2026 included Chairwoman of DEKRANAS Central Board Selvi Gibran Rakabuming, Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Joko Juliantono, Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, Deputy Minister for MSMEs Helvi Moraza, Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha, Deputy Minister of Transmigration Viva Yoga Mauladi, Chairman of BPP ASEPHI Muchsin Ridjan, representative of the ASEPHI Honorary Board Abdul Latief, members of Seruni of the Red and White Cabinet, as well as ambassadors of friendly countries.
Accompanying Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky were Deputy for Digital Creativity and Technology Muhammad Neil El Himam, Acting Deputy for Cultural and Design Creativity Amir Hamzah, and Director of Craft Neli Yana.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
