Footwear Diplomacy: Indonesian MSMEs Eye Europe Market at POLSHOES 2026

Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Warsaw (KBRI Warsaw) marked a new milestone in economic diplomacy in Poland by participating in POLSHOES Fair 2026, the international footwear trade fair held on 3–4 March 2026 at EXPO Kraków. The move aims to widen access to Central and Eastern European markets for Indonesian products. At the event, KBRI Warsaw presented four leading Indonesian MSME brands—Serlium Leathers, Ittaherl, Roka Collections, and Umiy Lasega Batik—showcasing footwear that prioritises craftsmanship, varied designs, and a strong Indonesian cultural touch. Amid the dominance of winter boots and sneakers from 85 foreign exhibitors, the Indonesian pavilion attracted visitors with its diverse range, from handmade coloured leather shoes and women’s party shoes to suede footwear paired with Baduy weaving. Fatimah Alatas, Economic Function Coordinator at KBRI Warsaw, said that Indonesia’s presence at POLSHOES is an initial step to introduce the strength of the national footwear industry to the Polish and European markets. ‘The products on display demonstrate that Indonesian shoes are not only price-competitive but also offer added value in design, material quality, and the handmade character,’ she said. Poland was chosen as the promotional hub given its status as a strategic trade and distribution centre in the European Union. Many trading companies in Poland serve domestic and regional markets via conventional distribution networks and e-commerce platforms. According to the World Footwear Yearbook 2025, Indonesia is currently the world’s third-largest footwear exporter. The data also show a significant rise in exports to Poland, from about US$225 million in 2022 to more than US$317 million in 2024. The fair helped Indonesia identify substantial potential in the mid-to-premium segments of the European market, which highly values material quality and the handmade nature of products. Looking ahead, KBRI Warsaw commits to further strengthening networks with distributors and industry players to sustain the growth of Indonesian footwear exports.