Gumelem Batik Association values DCF for expanding market beyond Java
The Gumelem Batik Association (ABG) of Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java, believes that participation in the Dieng Culture Festival (DCF) 2026 can expand the market for Gumelem Batik to a number of regions outside Java.
“The market has grown. From participating in exhibitions like this, buyers then contact us and place repeat orders,” said Liana, Chair of the Gumelem Batik Association, on the sidelines of the DCF 2026 UMKM Showcase in Dieng Kulon Village, Batur District, Banjarnegara, on Saturday.
She said that Gumelem Batik, which is developed in Gumelem Wetan and Gumelem Kulon villages, Susukan District, has participated in the DCF five times.
According to her, the event provides benefits not only from direct transactions but also opens up new consumer networks.
Visitor enthusiasm on the first day of the UMKM Showcase, Friday (28/8), was quite good.
However, in terms of turnover, she hopes this year’s sales can match or exceed last year’s achievement of around Rp17 million.
“Alhamdulillah, from the opening until now the enthusiasm has been good. Hopefully the turnover will be like last year and can increase,” she said.
Currently, she said, ABG has 12 artisans, each of whom has at least seven batik makers, so Gumelem Batik production involves around one hundred people.
She said the Gumelem Batik market now reaches South Kalimantan, Makassar, Bali, Medan, Jambi, and Bandung.
According to her, this market expansion has been achieved through various exhibition activities, including the DCF.
“On average, those who buy then contact us and order again. Some place special orders for just two pieces, but on an ongoing basis,” she said.
She also appreciated the trust of the committee and the Banjarnegara Regency Government in involving Gumelem Batik artisans in providing scarves for DCF visitors who purchase tickets.
According to her, these orders provide real benefits for the sustainability of the artisans’ businesses.
In a separate occasion, the Head of Bank Indonesia’s Purwokerto Representative Office, Aswin Gantina, said that the DCF is one of the top 10 Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) events that has undergone selection and curation.
According to him, the DCF not only attracts tourists but also provides broad economic impact, as the economic turnover at last year’s DCF reached around Rp50 billion and is expected to increase this year.
“During the three days of the DCF, its promotion as part of Kharisma Event Nusantara reaches overseas. We hope this can provide a broad impact,” he said.
He said the economic impact is visible from full accommodation, increased use of transport, and heightened UMKM activity.
Bank Indonesia’s Purwokerto Representative Office also supported the UMKM Showcase by providing 37 stands, consisting of five stands in the Pandawa Area, 17 stands in the Arjuna Area, and 15 stands in the Gatotkaca Area/Dieng Coffee Festival.
The showcase featured typical products from Dieng and Banjarnegara, including coffee UMKM fostered by Bank Indonesia’s Purwokerto Representative Office that are members of the Banjarnegara Geographical Indication Protection Society (MPIG).