Indonesia Fashion Week Officially Opened

Indonesia Fashion Week (IFW) 2016 with theme of “Reflection of Culture” is officially opened today, March 10, at the Jakarta Convention Center and will be held from until March 13, 2016.

“IFW aims to accommodate Indonesian designer needs, both in central and regional,” IFW 2016 President Poppy Darsono said at the opening eventon Thursday, March 10.

The event created by the Indonesian Fashion Designer Association (AAPMI) will present 32 fashion shows, exhibitions from 480 brands, talk show, workshop and design competition.

Coordinating Minister of Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani, who represented Vice President Jusuf Kalla, said the fashion event gives opportunity for talented people in Indonesia to show their work.

Minister of Cooperative and Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Anak Agung Ngurah Puspayoga, who attended the event, hoped that Indonesian designer could meet domestic fashion needs, which is about 40 percent from the ASEAN market. “Don’t let foreign fashion enter Indonesia,” he said.

Government has a business credit (KUR) program to help designers, including the ones who are starting up their business. The program with low interest is expected to make small businesses, including fashion, to keep growing. “We have prepared Rp120 trillion for KUR,” Puspayoga said.

Industry Minister Saleh Husin said the ministry is also encourages the growth of fashion industry in the country.

Saleh said fashion industry has contributed in export worth Rp181 trillion each year and absorbs 3.8 million people per year.