Jakarta (ANTARA) - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno has lauded a collaborative attempt named Melayu Merindu to advance the creative and fashion industries by maximizing the potential of Indonesian traditional cloth.
"Continuous innovation is required to establish a positive creative economy ecosystem to face a new economic era. The creative fashion industry, especially the Indonesian cloth industry, must continue to be developed," he said while virtually delivering his remarks at the launch of Malay Merindu on Monday.
Melayu Merindu has been initiated by the Riau Regional Organizing Committee (BPD) of the Indonesian Textile Association (API), in collaboration with a number of private companies and organizations, such as Asia Pacific Rayon (APR), Wiyasa TFA, Tokopedia, and Swara Gembira, to develop the potential of small and medium fashion enterprises in Riau Province.
Through the collaborative products made by local craftsmen and fashion start-ups who are members of the Riau Indonesian Textile Association (API), local Indonesian products, especially Malay cloth, are hoped to become the pride of the nation and loved by the younger generations, the minister said.
A total of nine small and medium fashion enterprises as well as 12 batik and weaving craftsmen have been involved in creating 12 women’s fashion products using typical Malay cloth under Melayu Merindu.
The attempt is also expected to strengthen the #IndonesiaBerkain (#IndonesiansWearingCloth) movement and introduce various Indonesian cultures to the younger generations.
The fashion players were provided training in product development and marketing strategies by Wiyasa TFA, free sustainable viscose raw materials by APR, and digitization training and access by Tokopedia. A community forum was organized for them by Swara Gembira.
Meanwhile, Head of the Riau BPD of API, Basrie Kamba, said that the fashion market in Indonesia has huge potential, which can be utilized by small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
"We will always support any attempts to advance the textile and fashion SMEs to introduce Malay culture to younger generations who will preserve the culture in the future. We also consider it as an opportunity for the textile industry in Riau province to develop and encourage Indonesia's economic growth," he added.
Consumers can buy Melayu Merindu products on the website, https://tokopedia.link/KvhHREAVAob.
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