West Java Textile and Apparel Industry Seen as Still Potentially Profitable
The potential of the textile and apparel industry in West Java remains substantial, even as global competition intensifies. According to Bryan W. Arsaha, Project Manager of Moremedia Indonesia, changing consumer trends—specifically the rising demand for custom printing, print-on-demand, and fast fashion—are presenting new opportunities currently being explored by small and medium-sized enterprises.
Arsaha noted that the demand for production technology and garment decoration in Bandung remains high. This is evidenced by the high enthusiasm of participating companies that regularly attend the Indonesia Apparel Production Expo (IAPE).
“This year, new participants like Brother Singter have joined, alongside returning companies such as Kain and Cater. These companies participate regularly. Because demand in Bandung is quite high, they usually make bookings for the next exhibition immediately after this one concludes,” said Bryan during the Indonesia Apparel Production Expo (IAPE) 2026, held at the Bandung Convention Centre from 2–5 September 2026.
He stated that West Java remains a vital base for the national textile industry, with several large companies already possessing international markets. However, the domestic textile industry continues to face serious challenges from nations capable of offering more competitive production costs.
“Large companies in West Java are indeed operating at an export scale. However, the challenge is that certain countries, such as Vietnam and Bangladesh, provide more competitive production prices,” he added.
According to Bryan, the primary challenge for the Indonesian textile industry is reducing production costs while simultaneously producing goods that are increasingly accepted by the market. Conversely, shifts in consumption patterns are opening significant doors for medium and small-scale textile industries.
Bryan assessed that demand for custom printing and print-on-demand is currently experiencing significant growth. “For the medium and small scale, the demand is based on print-on-demand and custom printing. That is the current trend, which in the fashion world is known as fast fashion,” he said.
This phenomenon is visible in the growth of various hobby-based communities, ranging from runners to motorcyclists. Every activity and community now tends to have its own specific clothing identity or jersey. “For example, a jersey might only be used for a single running event. That specific demand is currently very high. Every running event requires new jerseys, and every rider community has its own custom costume. That demand is immense,” Bryan explained.
Aulia Sunhandhyka, Founder of IAPE, noted that the 2026 edition marks the 11th time the expo has been held since its inception in 2014. Bryan remarked that technological advancement is a key differentiator in each exhibition. While screen printing dominated the apparel decoration industry in the early years, digital printing technology has since expanded rapidly.
“In terms of technology specifically, it changes every year. In 2014, screen printing was very dominant. Since then, new technologies like Direct-to-Film (DTF) and Direct-to-Garment (DTG)—which prints directly onto fabric—have developed significantly,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Usman Batubara, Chairman of KOPI Grafika, mentioned that while the growth in printing technology needs is continuing, the pace has slowed. “The increase is not occurring under ideal conditions; growth is slowing. There is likely only about a 3 to 4 per cent increase in printing requirements,” he said.
IAPE 2026 features 20 national companies representing over 40 brands that support the garment production business. The exhibition showcases various apparel industry technologies and equipment, ranging from fabrics, screen printing equipment, sewing machines, and embroidery machines to DTG, DTF, cutting machines, heat presses, and various digital printing technologies.
In addition to the exhibition, IAPE 2026 includes supporting activities such as live demonstrations, 10 ‘Apparel Talk’ sessions featuring 15 speakers, and business matching. The exhibition, organised by Moremedia, is supported by BPD API West Java, DPD PPGI West Java, the West Java Department of Industry and Trade, and the West Java Screen Printing Community.
The hosting of IAPE in Bandung is expected to maintain the city’s position as a barometer for the garment production industry and open new opportunities for garment, convection, screen printing, and digital printing entrepreneurs amidst rapid technological change.