Government Encourages Export of Jepara Furniture and Carvings

Jepara International Furniture Buyer Weeks (JIFBW) was officially opened on March 9, 2025. The event will run until March 13, 2025 at the Jepara Women's Building, followed by an exhibition at each participant's warehouse from March 14 to 23, 2025. This activity aims to promote Jepara furniture and carving products to the international market, while encouraging the growth of the local creative industry.

In his speech, Alhaq, as the representative of the organizer, expressed his gratitude to Bank Indonesia (BI) and other partners for their cooperation in making this event a success.

Andang Wahyu Triyanto, Chairman of the Jepara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, compared the condition of the Jepara furniture industry with Vietnam. "In Vietnam, there is a certification system such as SVLK, but the state finances it. We hope that Jepara can learn from this to increase exports," he said.

He also emphasized the importance of improving the quality of design and human resources (HR) to compete in the global market. He also highlighted the challenges faced by the Jepara furniture industry, including declining exports and the lack of designer resources.

“Jepara designers are currently hard to find, and there are still few enthusiasts for products with unique designs. This needs to be a shared concern,” he said.

Deputy Director of the Central Java Bank Indonesia Representative Office, Ambawani Restu Widi, expressed his appreciation for the strong commitment of the organizers and participants of JIFBW.

“The furniture industry is ranked fourth in terms of economic contribution to Central Java. Jepara as the World Carving Center (WCC) needs to be encouraged from upstream to downstream, especially in strengthening human resources such as designers and drafters,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of furniture product certification and BI has collaborated with LPH Karima UNISNU Jepara to hold a halal seminar at UNISNU Jepara.

Deputy Regent of Jepara, Ibnu Hajar, in his speech expressed his hope that the Jepara furniture industry would rise again.

“Let us be enthusiastic about restoring the glory of Jepara carving. We will continue to encourage international exhibitions like this so that our young people are interested in learning and preserving the art of carving,” he said. He is also committed to facilitating the presence of foreign buyers to expand the Jepara furniture export network.

In addition to the exhibition, JIBW 2023 also held the Jepara International Furniture Carving Contest (JIFCC), which was attended by 99 participants. This contest is divided into two categories, namely the Award and the best contest in the Manual Wood Carving Contest and CNC Wood Carving. The Chairperson of the JIFCC Committee, Sutrisno, stated that the enthusiasm of the participants was extraordinary, with many beautiful works exhibited for the public to enjoy.

One of the works that attracted attention was Suhartono's work entitled "Perang Jawa". This work not only displays the beauty of carving art, but also conveys a deep message about the struggle and contribution to the nation.

"If the fighters are willing to sacrifice their lives, then what are our works and contributions to building the Indonesian nation?" Suhartono's message in his work.

Through JIFBW 2025, it is hoped that the Jepara furniture and carving industry can be increasingly recognized in the global market. This event is also a momentum to strengthen collaboration between the government, industry players, and related institutions in improving the quality and competitiveness of Jepara furniture products.

Jepara society and visitors are expected to participate in supporting this event by visiting the exhibition and appreciating the works on display. With a shared spirit, Jepara carving and furniture art is expected to continue to develop and provide positive contributions to the development of the Indonesian nation.

Education and Furniture to Continue to be Given Attention

Acting Regent of Jepara H. Edy Supriyanta, continued his visit to foster friendship and said goodbye to regional apparatus employees, Thursday (6/2/2025). He visited several offices, including the Regional Secretariat, the Industry and Trade Service (Disperindag), the Communication and Information Service, the Education, Youth, and Sports Service (Disdikpora), and the DPRD Secretariat.

During his visit to the Disdikpora, Edy Supriyanta apologized for any shortcomings during his tenure. He emphasized the importance of education for dropouts and people with disabilities. "I ask that children who have not yet attended school be given attention. Including those with special needs, because education is very important for the younger generation," he said.

In addition, he appreciated the achievements of the Disdikpora in the fields of education and sports. "The achievements that have been achieved are extraordinary, many children have excelled in this sector," he said.

Meanwhile, at the Trade and Industry Office, he advised that the Jepara furniture industry continue to be supported with a broader marketing strategy. "According to the President's direction, Jepara furniture must be maintained. The Trade and Industry Office must continue to encourage its development," he said.

He also reminded the importance of maintaining the stability of staple food prices and suppressing inflation. "The Trade and Industry Office has worked extraordinarily hard to keep inflation stable even though other cities have experienced increases," he added.

Head of the Jepara Trade and Industry Office, Zamroni Lestiaza, appreciated the guidance of the Acting Regent. So that his office managed to maintain regional inflation and won various awards. "We received awards for two orderly calibrated markets, and ranked third in Central Java in reporting basic prices," he said.

At the DPRD Secretariat, Edy Supriyanta expressed his gratitude for the cooperation during his tenure. He asked employees to maintain integrity in carrying out their duties. "Maintain integrity, hopefully you will always be healthy and can carry out your duties well," he said.

Secretary of the Jepara DPRD, Deni Hendarko, also expressed his appreciation for Edy Supriyanta's leadership. He hopes that good cooperation will continue. "Thank you for the direction that has been given. We apologize if there have been any shortcomings so far," he said.

Edy Supriyanta's term of office, which originally ended on February 5, 2025, was extended until the inauguration of the definitive regent on February 20, 2025. He plans to continue his farewell visits to schools, Islamic boarding schools, and places of worship before his term of office ends.

"I am using this time to say goodbye to all regional apparatuses. It is possible that I will also visit schools, Islamic boarding schools, and places of worship," he concluded.

Jepara Holds Furniture and UMKM Exhibition on The Street

A spectacular exhibition featuring superior products typical of Jepara was officially opened on Friday (10/25/2024). Along Jalan Kartini and Jalan Pemuda, visitors can enjoy various works from local craftsmen. This event presents two main exhibitions, namely the furniture product expo and Jepara UMKM products.

Acting Regent of Jepara H. Edy Supriyanta together with the Forkopimda ranks, accompanied by high-ranking officials opened the exhibition. Marked by cutting the ribbon at the main gate, then beating the gong on the stage to the north of the Kartini Monument. This exhibition will run until October 28, 2024, as well as being part of the commemoration of Youth Pledge Day.

In his remarks, the Acting Regent of Jepara emphasized that the exhibition is an important forum to promote the work of craftsmen and local UMKM products.

"This exhibition is an opportunity for us to show the work of craftsmen and UMKM actors in Jepara," he said.

He hopes that this activity will not only be an exhibition, but can also strengthen collaboration between craftsmen, business actors, and the community. Support for local products is highly expected to increase economic growth, including creating new jobs.

The furniture exhibition labeled Jepara International Furniture Buyer Weeks (JIFBW) OctoFest 2024 carries the theme "Exhibition of Jepara Craftsmen's Work". Visitors are treated to carved furniture works, including original Jepara crafts and gebyok which have been recognized for their quality and beauty. In addition, there is a booth that offers direct wood carving practice for visitors.

"Please take a look, that's where Jepara's uniqueness lies as the World's Carving and Furniture City," he said.

Meanwhile, the Jepara MSME expo entitled "Creative Economy Superior MSMEs Rise to Class" displays various creative products from small and medium enterprises. Starting from local culinary, typical Jepara fabric products, to children's toys that also come from local centers.

The opening of this exhibition showcases the uniqueness of Jepara's typical fabrics, such as Troso weaving and local batik. The fabrics were showcased in a stunning fashion show, with models wearing everything from formal wear to carnival costumes made from the fabric.

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