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THE MINISTRY of Creative Economy highlighted the strategic importance of women in strengthening the national craft sector at the opening of the 26th Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair (INACRAFT) 2026. The report indicates that women have made significant contributions to the creative economy.
According to the Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, said this year’s INACRAFT is the 26th since 1999 and will take place from February 4–8, 2026. This year’s INACRAFT theme is “Exploring and Celebrating Womenpreneurs in Craft.”
“Women have become innovators, entrepreneurs, and guardians of cultural values, contributing significantly to strengthening the family economy, driving regional economies, and producing adaptive and competitive craft products,” said Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky in his remarks at INACRAFT 2026, held at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC) on Wednesday, (02/04), 2026.
The exhibition, organized by the Indonesian Handicraft Producers Association (ASEPHI) and PT Mediatama Binakreasi, consistently serves as a strategic platform to showcase the role of women creative entrepreneurs, particularly in the craft sector, in driving innovation, competitiveness, and an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem. Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky also emphasized the strategic position of the craft subsector in the national creative economy.
According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) for the period from January to November 2025, the fashion and crafts sectors were the primary contributors to Indonesia’s creative economy exports. According to the data, craft exports reached US$12,034.1 million.
Teuku Riefky stated that this achievement demonstrates that crafts are not only a cultural expression, but also a driver of trade and a creator of added value for the national economy.
In line with the Ministry of Creative Economy’s mission to strengthen the crafts subsector as a driver of the national creative economy, the Ministry is supporting INACRAFT 2026. This support includes involvement in the INACRAFT Awards judging process and facilitation of a showcase of craft products from fostered brands in the Assembly Hall, booths 8-9.
Three craft brands fostered by the Ministry of Creative Economy will be exhibiting at INACRAFT 2026: Decak Handmade, offering sustainable patchwork textiles based on empowering women artisans; Indang Apang Galeri, which promotes rattan weaving as functional works of cultural value; and Elsaria Ulos from North Sumatra, which presents traditional woven ulos cloth with innovative motifs and natural dyes.
This year, INACRAFT introduced two new categories in the 2026 INACRAFT Awards: the 2026 INACRAFT Digital Excellence Award and the 2026 INACRAFT Womenpreneurs Award. These awards recognize innovative digital technology and the contributions of accomplished women in the craft subsector.
The opening ceremony of INACRAFT 2026 featured a fashion show showcasing works by female artisans from various regions. A mortar pounding ceremony was also held to symbolize women’s perseverance and creativity, while also representing the role of womenpreneurs in the craft sector in preserving cultural heritage and driving a sustainable creative economy. [traveltext.id]
