IAPE Bandung: A Business Inspiration for Clothing Production and Decoration in West Java
Players in the textile and textile products (TPT) industry in West Java remain highly optimistic about their future competitiveness, both for domestic and export markets. West Java’s economic growth in the second quarter of 2025 reached 5.23%, surpassing the national growth rate, with the TPT sector remaining a vital labour-intensive component of national manufacturing.
Nationally, the textile industry’s performance remained solid in the first quarter of 2025, with TPT export values reaching USD 2.99 billion, a 1.53% increase compared to the same period the previous year. “This certainly boosts optimism, despite emerging challenges such as the influx of very cheap imports and unfavourable export tariff policies from other countries. On the other hand, technology is advancing rapidly, offering many possibilities that did not exist before,” stated Bryan W. Arsaha, Project Manager of Moremedia Indonesia, ahead of the Indonesia Apparel Production Expo (IAPE) in Bandung.
He added that Indonesia’s TPT export potential remains vast, as production costs, particularly labour wages, are more efficient compared to many other nations. The Bandung edition of IAPE marks its 11th occurrence since its inception in 2014, following similar exhibitions held in Solo, Surabaya, Denpasar, and Makassar. “Bandung was chosen because this region has been a barometer for the apparel fashion industry for a long time. The ‘City of Flowers’ is also known as one of the domestic TPT industry hubs,” Bryan noted.
The IAPE 2026 exhibition features 20 national companies representing over 40 brands that support the clothing production business. The exhibition will run from Wednesday to Saturday, 2-5 September 2026, at the Bandung Convention Centre.
As the largest apparel decoration exhibition in West Java, IAPE showcases machinery and supporting equipment for apparel production, including fabrics, screen printing tools, sewing machines, embroidery machines, DTG and DTF machines, cutting machines, heat presses, and various digital printing technologies such as UV and sublime printing. “IAPE serves as an exhibition providing insight and inspiration for the growth of clothing production and decoration businesses, alongside the rising trend of hobby-based fashion such as jerseys and biker gear,” explained IAPE Founder, Aulia Sunhandhyka.
Increasing demand for custom printing, print-on-demand, smaller-scale or individual orders, and heightened awareness of eco-friendly products (sustainability and eco-friendly printing) present significant opportunities, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that underpin the Indonesian economy. IAPE 2026 is expected to bridge these technological developments to create a positive impact on apparel production trends in Indonesia.
According to Aulia, as an economic hub in West Java, Bandung consistently serves as a barometer for the clothing production industry. The IAPE exhibition is also held to maintain Bandung’s prominence and stimulate the clothing production industry at local, regional, and national levels. “Holding IAPE in Bandung is a momentum that business players can utilise to find and optimise existing opportunities, as well as to update and upgrade their business lines, particularly in apparel production such as garments, convection, screen printing, and digital printing,” he explained.
Simultaneously, the Chairman of KOPI Grafika, Usman Batubara, noted that the IAPE exhibition provides a comprehensive overview, both macro and micro, regarding the current business situation and technological challenges and their solutions. This is due to the presence of suppliers and distributors with long-standing track records in supporting the apparel business. “Their long track record, combined with technological advancements, makes the exhibitors leading companies in this sector, providing guarantees of security and comfort for customers through excellent after-sales service,” he concluded.
The exhibition will also involve various communities of practitioners and experts, fostering interaction and synergy. Supporting activities at IAPE Bandung include live demonstrations, 10 talkshow sessions titled ‘Apparel Talk’ featuring 15 speakers, and business matching sessions. Beyond being a reference for entrepreneurs, the exhibition attracts the wider business ecosystem, including street-wear entrepreneurs, fashion designers, online apparel shops, academia, and relevant government agencies.