Deputy Trade Minister: Lobam Fashion Industry Hub Products Have Export Potential
Bintan — Indonesia’s Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri has stated that products from the Seri Kuala Lobam Fashion Industry Centre in Bintan, Riau Islands, have considerable potential for export abroad.
“Fashion products like those manufactured at this industry centre have great potential to develop in both domestic and international markets,” said the Deputy Trade Minister during a visit to the Lobam industrial zone in Bintan on Tuesday.
The visit was undertaken to directly observe the development of the local creative industries and to encourage improvements in the quality and competitiveness of fashion products produced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Bintan region.
During the visit, Dyah Roro engaged in dialogue with business operators and inspected various fashion products created by the local community, including work uniforms, t-shirts, trousers, and screen-printed items.
She stated that the creative industry sector, particularly fashion, has significant opportunities for growth if supported by enhanced product quality, design innovation, and expanded market access. “The government continues to strengthen the SME sector to enable it to upgrade its standing and penetrate global markets, especially given that Riau Islands is bordered by neighbouring countries Malaysia and Singapore,” she said.
Meanwhile, Bintan Regent Roby Kurniawan stated that the local government remains committed to promoting growth in the creative economy sector, including the fashion industry, which is one of the community’s key potential advantages.
According to him, the presence of the Indonesian Deputy Trade Minister at the Seri Kuala Lobam Fashion Industry Centre serves as motivation for SME operators to continually improve product quality and expand their marketing networks.
“We hope that with attention from the Central Government, SME operators in Bintan can continue to develop, improve product quality, and be able to compete in wider markets,” said Roby.
Roby expressed optimism that the development of the creative industries in Bintan can make a tangible contribution to regional economic growth.