HIMKI Encourages Furniture Innovation and Exports Through WOODFEST 2025

Semarang, The Indonesian Furniture and Craft Industry Association (HIMKI) opened WOODFEST 2025 in Semarang (October 3, 2025) as a celebration of the wood industry, interior design, and creative innovation. This event provides a platform for craftsmen, designers, architects, academics, and businesspeople to collaborate and strengthen Indonesia's position in the global market.

HIMKI Chairman, Abdul Sobur, in his remarks emphasized that WOODFEST is not simply about wood as a raw material, but rather the long journey that has given birth to innovation, inspired design, and driven the furniture and craft industry. With the theme "Beyond Wood: Connecting Innovation, Interior & Industry," WOODFEST presents a creative ecosystem that connects technology, interior design, design, and international export opportunities.

"The furniture and craft industry is a big house. A house filled with millions of workers, artisans, designers, and young entrepreneurs. WOODFEST is a clear example of how collaboration can be forged—between PIKA alumni and HIMKI (Indonesian Student Association), local governments, interior designers, architects, and industry players. If we work alone, we are only small players, but if we unite, we can make Indonesia a global production base," said Abdul Sobur.

Central Java has great potential as one of the centers of the furniture and craft industry in Indonesia. Cities such as Jepara, Klaten, Sukoharjo, and Semarang have long been known for their high-value wood products and furniture. Supported by skilled human resources and a rich cultural heritage, Central Java is ready to strengthen the national creative industry supply chain while encouraging highly competitive exports.

Abdul Sobur also highlighted global challenges, ranging from tariff policies to competition with other countries. However, Indonesia is believed to have advantages that many competitors lack: sustainable wood resources, authentic design creativity, and a rich cultural heritage. These advantages make Indonesian products not only competitive in terms of price, but also possess added value and profound meaning.

WOODFEST 2025 is a crucial opportunity for industry players to affirm Central Java's position as a production hub and innovation center. Support from local governments, educational institutions, associations, and creative communities further strengthens the furniture and craft industry ecosystem, making it better prepared to face global challenges and expand international market penetration.

In addition to the exhibition, WOODFEST 2025 also features various supporting events such as discussion forums, design workshops, innovative exhibitions, and business networking events. All of this is aimed at developing a new generation of furniture and craft entrepreneurs capable of combining traditional values ​​with modern demands.

With a spirit of collaboration, WOODFEST 2025 is expected to become a new tradition celebrating Indonesian wood, design, and innovation on the global stage. HIMKI, together with KAPIKA, the local government, and sponsors, is committed to making this event a strategic opportunity to strengthen the branding of the Indonesian furniture and craft industry, particularly from Central Java, so that it becomes increasingly recognized and appreciated in the international market.

The KAPIKA Woodfest 2025 International Event, held at the Marina Convention Center (MCC), was officially opened by the Head of the Industry and Trade Agency, July Emmylia, SE, MM, on Friday morning, October 3, 2025.

The Head of the Industry and Trade Agency, who opened the event with the theme "Expanding Connections, Elevating Creations," represented the Governor of Central Java, Ahmad Luthfi.

The KAPIKA Woodfest 2025 Wood Industry Exhibition was organized by the PIKA Alumni Family (KAPIKA). The three-day event, from October 3 to 5, 2025, featured approximately 30 booths, including furniture companies, furniture galleries, woodworking machinery, interior design, and other wood-patterned products.

Johanes Chaesario, the Chief Organizer of KAPIKA Woodfest 2025, stated that this event is held annually and is a regular feature of KPIKA.

"This time, it's being held outside, with around 30 booths participating. They range from furniture galleries, local and export furniture, to interior contractors," he said.

KAPIKA is collaborating with the Indonesian Furniture and Craft Industry Association (HIMKI), and the Indonesian Interior Designers Association (HDII) for this event.

"We're also welcoming buyers from abroad, including from Europe and America. We're targeting 1,000 visitors per day. Visitors can enter the exhibition for free, which runs from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM WIB," he explained.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Central Java Provincial Industry and Trade Office, July Emmylia, expressed her appreciation for the KAPIKA Woodfest 2025 furniture event.

"I really appreciate this exhibition. The Head of the Semarang City Industry Office, representing the Mayor of Semarang, also stated earlier that if future events can be held in collaboration, they will be facilitated. If it becomes larger, we will also collaborate with the Ministry of Industry," said July Emmylia.

He added that this event is very beneficial for the furniture industry. It not only showcases quality but also showcases the potential of the furniture industry for potential buyers.

"Moreover, these graduates are a national asset, especially in the furniture sector. They include interior designers and contractors, and currently, furniture exports are second in non-oil and gas exports from Central Java," he said.

"Therefore, PIKA alumni are expected to support the increase in non-oil and gas exports in the wood and wood products sector," he continued.

The committee chairman, often called Rio, added that he hopes that next year, not only will the venue be supported by the government, but also that furniture MSMEs will be facilitated.

"If possible, MSMEs will also be facilitated to have stands," he said.