Inacraft Festival 2026 Held in Yogyakarta to Introduce Local Crafts to the Global Market
Southeast Asia’s largest craft exhibition, the Inacraft Festival 2026, officially opened at the Jogja Expo Center (JEC) on Wednesday (15/7/2026). Running from 15 to 19 July 2026, the opening marks a historic milestone as Yogyakarta has been entrusted to host Inacraft for the first time since the exhibition’s inception 27 years ago. The opening was conducted by the Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, alongside the board of the Indonesian Handicraft Exporters and Producers Association (ASEPHI). Carrying the theme ‘Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana: Cultural Crafts for World Harmony’, the exhibition is expected to serve as a promotional space while strengthening Indonesia’s craft industry in the international market.
Sultan HB X stated that the presence of delegates from various countries enlivening the exhibition demonstrates that crafts have become a universal language capable of transcending cultural and national boundaries. According to him, the theme adopted is not merely a slogan but contains Javanese philosophy that teaches the importance of maintaining and beautifying the harmony of life. “The presence of foreign delegates today is tangible proof that crafts are not just economic products, but a universal language capable of penetrating national and cultural borders,” he said during his remarks at the opening ceremony. “The philosophy of Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana contains the teaching to constantly beautify and maintain world harmony,” he added. This value aligns with the process of creating a craftwork, which is built through meticulousness, patience, and respect for materials and tradition. On a broader scale, Sultan HB X noted that this value becomes the foundation for creating harmony between nations through trade and cultural exchange.
He also expressed appreciation to ASEPHI, which he considered consistent in organising Inacraft for more than two decades. “The Regional Government of the Special Region of Yogyakarta extends its highest appreciation to the Indonesian Handicraft Exporters and Producers Association for its consistency in organising Inacraft for more than two decades. Yogyakarta is proud to be part of this long journey and is committed to continuously strengthening its position as a leading destination for crafts, culture, and tourism at the global level,” he stated. The organisation of this international festival, he mentioned, aligns with the government’s efforts to encourage creative economy growth based on local wisdom. “International festivals like this serve as a strategic bridge to introduce this wealth to the global market, while simultaneously opening sustainable trade partnership opportunities for artisans and small and medium enterprises,” he said.
Meanwhile, ASEPHI Chairman Muchsin Ridjan stated that organising the Inacraft Festival 2026 in Yogyakarta is the organisation’s first step in expanding the exhibition’s implementation to various regions across Indonesia. “ASEPHI, as the organiser of the Inacraft Festival 2026 for the first time in Yogyakarta, presents this activity as a promotional event and a strengthening of the creative economy sector, particularly Indonesia’s craft industry,” he said. The selection of Yogyakarta as the first host city outside Jakarta was not without reason. He explained that the decision to move Inacraft out of Jakarta was motivated by the aspirations of ASEPHI members in the regions who have long faced cost and access constraints to participate in exhibitions in the capital. “All this time, the Inacraft exhibition has been centralised in Jakarta. Even though they have quality products and the potential to penetrate the global market, many of our members have limitations in participating in exhibitions in Jakarta,” said Muchsin. Therefore, ASEPHI aims to provide more equitable opportunities for artisans in various regions while serving as part of ASEPHI’s long-term strategy to expand the promotion of Indonesian crafts to various cities. “We want to present more affordable opportunities for artisans through the organisation of the Inacraft Festival in the regions,” he concluded.