JABAR EKSPRES – Indonesian textile products are trying to enter the South African market through the Threads of Indonesia activity led by the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria in collaboration with the Indonesian Consulate General in Cape Town, ITPC Johannesburg, and several state-owned banks.
Threads of Indonesia consists of a series of activities that culminated in Cape Town on September 11-13, 2023 in the form of fashion shows, business matching, talk shows, and market and company visits.
In his remarks as conveyed through a written statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria, Tuesday, Indonesian Ambassador to South Africa Saud Krisnawan said that Indonesia is currently the sixth largest textile producer in the world and is targeting the fifth largest position in the world by 2030.
Ambassador Saud then said that many international brands entrust the manufacture of their products in factories in Indonesia, including 35 countries that produce their military clothing in Indonesia.
In addition, many indigenous Indonesian brands have also begun to penetrate the international market.
However, despite its high capability, Indonesia is not even among the top 10 suppliers of apparel, textile, footwear and leather (CTFL) products to South Africa.
“That’s why we initiated Threads of Indonesia to promote Indonesian textiles and textile products to the South African market,” Ambassador Saud said.
Taking place at the Mount Nelson Hotel, a legendary hotel in Cape Town, the Threads of Indonesia fashion show and business matching event took place on September 11, 2023.
Two Indonesian designers, Anita Gathmir and Jessica Febiani, showcased elegant pieces that highlighted the archipelago’s wastra as the base material.
Anita Gathmir, owner of the Puta Dino Kayangan brand, proudly displayed a collection made from Tidore weaving called Motif Tuan Guru.
Meanwhile, Jessica Febiani, owner of Jessica Moretosee, used batik fabric for her beautiful collection called Act Globally-Love Locally.