Executive Director of the Association of Indonesian Furniture and Handicraft (ASMINDO): GOVERNMENT NOT ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT DEVELOPING CREATIVE INDU

Some circles rated that the Government was not enthusiastic enough to develop the creative industry as industry of the future, as indicated by little Government’s attention on that industry. Sea Tanagga Karim, Executive Director of the Association of Indonesian Furniture and Handicraft (ASMINDO) disclosed to BusinessNews on Monday (26/7) that the Government was not giving enough support to the creative industry especially the handicraft sector which was now developing in Indonesia.

Apparently, declaration of the creative industry as industry of the future had so far not shown any significant impact on the development of the creative industry and nation economy as a whole. “Players of the handicraft sector feel it that there has been not enough Government support so the industry tends to progress slowly” Karim remarked.

Problem of the creative industry are complex, starting from the incompetence of human resources, lack of tax incentives, difficulty in obtaining bank credit, and poor access to the market. Lack of coordination among related industries, and un synchronized policies and regulations confuse players of the industry. To enhance growth of the industry, the Government’s attention and support are called for, so growth of the creative industry, which is targeted at 8% could be attained.

Of the 16 industrial sectors of the creative industry, the handicraft sector contributer around 16% the fashion industry is still the prima donna contributing 43%, while other sectors are still at the level below 10%. “This is an opportunity and challenge at the same time for the Government to enhance growth of the creative-based industry, with active participation of players of the industry” Karim said.

The creative industry seres as an instrument for maintaining equal distribution of income, conservaton of the national culture and setting up of new enterprises. Furthermore the creative industry may provide job opportunities whereby to minimize unemployment. In thus case the Government may play its role in promoting craftsmen.

As with the provision of capital until design, development strategy for the handicraft sector should in the future be aimed at global competition. The handicraft industry should be highly competive, focus should be on the development of science and technology with special attention on regional distinction. In this case, synergy between the Central Government and provincial Government must be enhanced.

Evidently the creative industry has been able to jack up the people’s economy and is well tested in adverse economic condition. Therefore, the creative industry is expected to condition. Therefore, the creative industry is expected to continue to advance in strengthening the nation’s economy. “We hope that players of the creative industry will keep on progressing, while we urge the banking sector to extend their helping hand in capital procurement which We deseperately need” Karim concluded.