Textile exports are slow, this is the government’s strategy

Jakarta –

The Ministry of Commerce (Kemendag) oversees the national textile and textile products (TPT) industry amid the pressure of weakening purchasing power and exports. This was done to avoid undesirable things like factory closings and layoffs.

The Director General of National Export Development (Dirjen PEN) of the Ministry of Commerce, Mardyana Listyowati, said that her party continues to make efforts to guide, advise, and invite SMEs to participate abroad. over.

“What is clear is that the work of the Director General of National Education is only marketing, so we cooperate and collaborate with our representatives abroad to sell and buy to bring together. In addition, we also promote through exhibitions,” explained Mardyana at the UOB Media Editors’ Circle Event at UOB Plaza, Jakarta, Monday (12/8/2024).

In addition, it also promotes new market potential for exports. From traditional markets, the focus has now entered non-traditional markets such as Africa.

“Actually, the potential is in traditional markets such as Europe and America. But now we have also started to open new non-traditional markets such as Africa and Asia,” he said.

Previously, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) noted that growth in the national textile industry, including clothing, had declined in the second quarter of 2024. This situation occurs every year and every season

BPS Deputy Director for Balance Sheets and Statistical Analysis, Moh Edy Mahmud, said the textile and clothing industry in the second quarter of 2024 contracted 0.03% year-on-year. Quarterly (q to q) it also contracted 2.63%.

“So in the second quarter of 2024, the growth of the textile and clothing industry will contract annually and quarterly,” Edy said in a press conference, Monday (5/8/2024).

There is indeed pressure on the national textile industry. This can be seen from the large number of layoffs and closures of textile factories in the country.

Previously, based on records from the Confederation of Indonesian Workers’ Unions (KSPN), from January to June 2024 at least 10 companies had made significant discounts. Six of them were the result of closing factories, and the other four were the result of efficiency in the number of employees.

The total number of workers laid off from the 10 companies was at least 13,800 people. This number is likely to be lower than the actual conditions in the field, as not all companies are willing to be exposed to this large step.

“There are 6 companies that have been registered and we have asked for permission to be able to send them out. Yes, those that have been closed from January to the beginning of June 2024 are 6 companies that have closed. Now those who have resigned, are those who want to be open 4 companies.

(help/hns)