The Indonesian Furniture and Handicraft Industry Association (HIMKI) and Dyandra Promosindo are preparing to stage Indonesia's largest B2B furniture and craft exhibition, Indonesia International Furniture Expo (IFEX) 2022, on 18th-21st August.
The event will be held virtually and offline at the Jakarta International Expo, Kemayoran.
In a meeting between HIMKI, Dyandra Promosindo, and the Ministry of Industry, Abdul Sobur, chairman of HIMKI, said that in preparation for this year's event, his association felt the enthusiasm of the industry players – evidenced by participation data, which indicates that more than 200 exhibitors (more than 95% of the target exhibitors) will participate in this year's show. The organisers have also noted interest from more than 1200 domestic and international buyers.
“IFEX is the largest B2B furniture and craft exhibition in Indonesia, which provides an opportunity for industry players to introduce their products to domestic and foreign markets," says Abdul. "There is a huge market potential that we can still develop."
Abdul also emphasises the importance of encouraging local consumers to buy Indonesian furniture and handicraft products.
Indonesian exports of furniture and handicrafts in 2021 were recorded at $3.46b (+27.23% YoY). The highest increase occurred in the furniture product category, which increased by +32.2% YoY, while handicraft products increased by +15.54% – the highest growth rate in the last 10 years.
Abdul notes that these figutes might have been even higher, if not for the shipping challenges caused by the pandemic.
Going with the theme 'Redefine, Inspire, Innovation', IFEX 2022 is seeking to redefine the concept of furniture and handicraft products for the international market, inspire local products to compete in the global market, and present the latest innovations in furniture and handicraft products.
“After two years' absence from offline exhibitions, IFEX 2022 is considered as the right moment for local producers to meet face-to-face with international buyers. To date, we have recorded 1200 foreign buyers who are ready to participate in IFEX 2022. We hope that the local buyers will also participate in IFEX 2022 and participate in developing the Indonesian furniture and handicraft industry,” says Addy Damarwulan, IFEX project director.
IFEX 2022 will still implement strict health protocols. The organisers are ready for the in-person activity following changes in government policy regarding travel restrictions from abroad to Indonesia, with the pandemic conditions gradually improving. Foreign buyers have welcomed the reopening of Visa On Arrival (VOA) access for 72 countries, and the changes in government policy regarding travel restrictions from abroad, meaning buyers can visit Indonesia without being quarantined.
IFEX 2022 will cover an area of 30,000 sqm at JIExpo Kemayoran Jakarta. Exhibitors include Cirebon Furniture, Cocoon Asia, dBodhi, Re-Born, Seken Living, the Ministry of Industry, Central Java Industry and Trade Agency, West Java Industry and Trade Agency, Jepara Industry and Trade Agency, and Sleman Industry and Trade Agency.
