IFEX 2026 Becomes Indonesia's Furniture Export Gateway, Involving 500 Exhibitors

Indonesia’s Furniture and Handicrafts Industry Association (HIMKI) organised the Indonesia International Furniture Expo (IFEX), which ran from 5–8 March at Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) BSD City. The event provided opportunities for businesses to engage directly with international buyers, distributors, project owners and sourcing agents from various countries. ‘Several programmes at IFEX, such as business matching, hosted buyers, seminars, and professional networking forums, enable more targeted connections and concrete transaction opportunities,’ said Abdul Sobur, Chairman of HIMKI, in a press release on Saturday, 7 March 2026. In this context, the Designer Showcase is a key element that strengthens IFEX’s positioning as an exhibition that adds value, where design innovation runs in parallel with business potential. ‘IFEX also integrates design, industry, and the global market within a single, holistic business ecosystem,’ Abdul added. The event also collaborates with several associations, including the Indonesian Interior Design Association (HDII), Alliance of Indonesian Industrial Product Designers (ADPII), MadeCon, and Good Design Indonesia. ‘By combining production strength and design innovation through the Designer Showcase, IFEX 2026 is expected to boost export growth and serve as Indonesia’s gateway to the global furniture supply chain,’ he continued. Dyandra Promosindo President Director Daswar Marpaung emphasised that IFEX is not merely a trade fair but a symbol of resilience and adaptation in Indonesia’s furniture industry. ‘With abundant natural materials, craftsmanship handed down across generations, and a commitment to sustainable production, we believe Indonesia’s furniture industry has a strong foundation to continue growing and competing globally,’ he said. Government support for strengthening the design ecosystem is seen as important to drive a transformation towards a more creativity-driven model, so Indonesian furniture products are not only superior in production quality but also possess a strong design identity that is relevant to global market needs. The event also recognises young artisans through The 4th HIMKI Design Awards, divided into three main categories—Indonesian Signature Living Furniture, Indonesian Signature Dining Furniture, Indonesian Signature Home Decor—and a separate Youth Designer Awards. Winners in the Dining Furniture category were Zen Dining (PT Ast Indonesia) and Genta Dining Chair (Razzaq Berkah Mulia). Home Decor winners were Arunika Rafflesia Baske (PT Multiyasa Abadi Sentosa) and Sub Table Lamp (Studiohiji). For the Youth Designer Awards, the winners were Yasmine Khalida Putri for Chairkuru and Gabriel Anandityo Wicaksono for Vernakular Tray, both from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). ‘We hope that more young designers will compete in this event and contribute to enriching Indonesia’s furniture design with global competitiveness while prioritising function and aesthetic values,’ Abdul affirmed.