Textile and Footwear Industry Exports in Central Java Hit by Middle East Conflict

The Chairman of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) in Central Java, Frans Kongi, has revealed that exports of textile and footwear products from Central Java to the Middle East have been severely impacted by the conflict. He stated that security risks and high shipping costs have led businesses to opt for suspending their exports for the time being.

Frans explained that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has indeed disrupted business activities, including those aiming to market products to that region. “Our exports to the Middle East have dropped sharply. No ships are willing to sail there,” he said in an interview on Tuesday (7/4/2026).

He noted that several sectors currently face difficulties in exporting their products to the Middle East due to the conflict. “The affected industries include garments and footwear. We produce a lot of Muslim clothing that’s marketed there,” Frans remarked.

According to Frans, exports could still be carried out, but businesses would have to pay much higher freight costs. “We’re already at a loss. For example, what used to cost one rupiah now costs between three and five rupiah,” he said.

As a result, Frans indicated that many entrepreneurs have chosen to postpone their exports to the Middle East. “Because if costs are high, we can’t bear it,” he added.

Frans hopes that the government will intensify diplomatic efforts to push for an end to the war in the Middle East. Additionally, he hopes the government can provide incentives to companies whose business activities are affected by the Middle East conflict, such as tax incentives.