Indonesian eco-friendly MSME goods hold strong global appeal: minister

Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA) - Industry Minister Muhammad Sarmuji expressed optimism that eco-friendly fashion and craft products made by Indonesian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can break into global markets as public attention to environmental sustainability grows.

"The marketing opportunity is very wide open because environmental and health issues are now a public concern, a focus not only for Indonesians but for people worldwide," Sarmuji said in Jakarta on Saturday.

Sarmuji noted that products crafted from natural materials possess unique appeal in international markets, offering creative industry players strong opportunities to expand overseas.

He explained that marketing strategies can be strengthened by building direct networks with environmental action communities.

These communities can serve as primary markets while helping communicate product values and advantages to targeted global consumers.

Amid ongoing digital technology advancement, MSME operators can market products globally without depending entirely on conventional distribution networks.

"In this digital era, marketing products is much easier, and production from a village, with information technology, can become known in many countries," he said.

Enhanced digital reach enables regional artisans to access consumers directly across international borders.

However, Sarmuji emphasized that digital market access must be backed by consistent quality control, innovative design development, and alignment with target market needs.

He highlighted Indonesia's tourism sector as a key driver for local fashion and craft sales, noting that foreign tourist arrivals create ideal opportunities to market unique, natural-material souvenirs.

Sarmuji added that maximizing this potential requires strategic synergy among MSME operators, tourism stakeholders, and international trade networks.

One prospective avenue includes connecting MSME products with International Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) facilities operated by the Trade Ministry.

Such integration helps link local producers with global promotional networks and international buyer channels.

"Nature-based products have very high demand abroad, so export opportunities are wide open," Sarmuji said.

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Translator: Rolandus, Kenzu
Editor: Arie Novarina
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