Kartu Mebel: Targeting Global Markets for Carvings and Improving Carvers' Welfare

JEPARA – Wood carving product innovation training continues to be promoted in Jepara, with a primary focus on technique updates, design adaptation, and the regeneration of young craftspeople. The Jepara Regency Government through the Department of Industry and Trade (Disperindag), together with various institutions, is actively delivering training programs to preserve carving ornaments and enhance the competitiveness of furniture.

Among the programs offered are Product Innovation Training with Carving Ornaments, Wood Waste Utilization Training, and the distribution of the Jepara Furniture Card (Kartu Mebel Jepara) for furniture workers and carvers. Disperindag collaborated with the Jepara Carving Preservation Foundation (PELUK), chaired by Hadi Priyanto, to hold the event, which ran from June 22–25, 2026, at Pantai Kartini Jepara, on Monday (22/6/2026).

Jepara Regent H. Witiarso Utomo (Mas Wiwit) emphasized that this activity holds strategic significance for the future of Jepara's carved furniture industry — not only as an economic commodity, but also as a masterpiece of ancestral artistic heritage passed down through generations, whose identity must be preserved.

"Jepara is known as The World Carving Center. Product innovation training using carving ornaments can encourage the birth of new designs without severing ties to Jepara's roots and identity," he said.

Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that the industrial sector remains the backbone of the local economy. In 2025, the processing industry continued to contribute the most to the regional economy, accounting for 33.61 percent of Jepara's total Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). Meanwhile, economic growth reached 5.41 percent, up from 4.26 percent in 2024. Within the industrial sector, furniture is Jepara's flagship, with 892 furniture companies, investment value exceeding Rp 1.17 trillion, and a workforce of 8,259 employees.

Wood furniture is Jepara's largest export commodity. In 2025, its value reached USD 197 million — equivalent to Rp 3.29 trillion — reaching 114 export destination countries. That figure represents 34.5 percent of Jepara's total exports of USD 570.85 million, meaning that for every USD 3 in Jepara's export value, more than USD 1 comes from wood furniture.

"I have prepared flagship programs in this sector, ranging from an International Carving Festival, the Development of the Nusantara Carving Museum, the Jepara Furniture Market, SME upgrading, to the Jepara Furniture Card — of which 850 cards have already been distributed out of a target of 1,500," said Mas Wiwit.

According to Mas Wiwit, progress in the furniture industry should not only be measured by export value — the welfare of the workers and carvers behind every product must also be a priority. In addition, Jepara must boldly maintain the quality of its craftsmanship to remain a preferred choice in the international market.

The Jepara Regency Government will continue to be present through policy, facilitation, training, and guidance. The Jepara Furniture Card serves as a more accurate database of furniture workers and carvers, enabling the government to design well-targeted development programs, improve worker competencies, and open access to educational support for the children of furniture workers and carvers through various programs such as the Smart Indonesia Card (KIP), the Smart Indonesia Program (PIP), and health insurance.

"Let us ensure that Jepara is known not only as a furniture-producing region, but as a world-class furniture and carving industry center capable of bringing prosperity to the people of Jepara," he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Creative Economy Movement (GEKRAFS) of Jepara Regency, Muhammad Abdul Chaq, stated that GEKRAFS Jepara will focus on developing various creative economy sectors that support tourism — in line with the development of Jepara's carving industry to break into the global market. Planned programs include the development and promotion of tourist destinations, digitalization of the tourism sector, and the development of Jepara's signature souvenirs and specialty products, including furniture and carvings.

He noted that support and synergy from the local government are essential for these programs to run optimally. He is ready to guide and assist Jepara's furniture workers and carvers so that Jepara's carvings can endure and its workers and carvers can enjoy greater prosperity.

"GEKRAFS Jepara is ready to accompany and support all of your programs, so that the welfare of Jepara's furniture workers and carvers improves, and the younger generation must be introduced to carving and trained in the craft," he said.