DIY Trade Department Reports Craft Exporters Diverting Export Routes

Yogyakarta — The Trade and Industry Department (Disperindag) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) has reported that craft exporters in the region are beginning to shift their export routes in response to the dynamics of the United States-Israel-Iran conflict.

The head of Disperindag DIY, Yuna Pancawati, stated that business operators are considering alternative export distribution routes to ensure shipments continue amid global trade dynamics.

“Perhaps alternative export routes are also being devised by [business] partners. Not through the Suez Canal, but through other routes,” said Yuna in Yogyakarta on Monday.

Although export markets for crafts from DIY have remained largely consistent to date, she encouraged business operators to explore non-traditional markets to expand their trade access.

She explained that export distribution to several destination countries, particularly in the European region, often transit through the Middle East.

“So perhaps what usually goes to Europe — Europe of course stops in the Middle East for transit. Well, this might be the market [opportunity]. Even if it has to go to Europe, the transit doesn’t have to be through the Middle East,” she said.

Yuna acknowledged that the geopolitical situation has also affected the presence of international buyers at several craft trade fairs held in Indonesia. According to her, several buyers from the Middle East did not attend furniture exhibitions such as the Indonesia International Furniture Expo (IPEX) and the Jogja International Furniture and Craft Fair Indonesia (Jiffina).

The Jiffina fair is still being held at the Jogja Expo Center (JEC) until 10 March 2026.

“Those Middle Eastern buyers who usually attend in large numbers are not coming this time,” she said.

Nevertheless, according to her, business operators continue to maintain communication with prospective buyers through various digital platforms to keep transaction opportunities open.

Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of DIY, the value of exports from the Special Region of Yogyakarta in January 2026 was recorded at approximately 46.94 million US dollars.

Several main destination countries for exports from the region include the United States, Germany, and Japan, as well as several countries in the Middle East region.