West Java Targets New Frontiers: Expanding Rattan Furniture Exports to ASEAN, Middle East

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The West Java provincial government is strategically targeting the ASEAN region and the Middle East to diversify and expand the export destinations for Cirebon’s rattan furniture. The head of West Java’s Industry and Trade Office, Noneng Komara Nengsih, highlighted the enormous potential in ASEAN, the Middle East, and Africa as emerging markets for rattan furniture.

While Cirebon’s rattan furniture has successfully gained a foothold in the European market in recent years, disruptions caused by global conflicts have impacted deliveries to European countries. To counter this trend, the provincial government aims to explore new export opportunities in regions beyond Europe, seeking to sustain and grow the rattan furniture industry.

Assuring the resilience of West Java’s exports, including rattan furniture, Noneng Komara Nengsih emphasized that the province’s overall export performance remained robust, reaching Rp33 trillion in 2023. Despite disruptions affecting rattan furniture exports to Europe, she highlighted the sustained strength of exports to other regions. West Java maintained its status as the top national exporting region, contributing 14.4 percent to the country’s total exports in 2023, a notable increase from around 13 percent in the previous year. Notably, nearly 98 percent of West Java’s export commodities, including automotive, machinery, and rattan-based furniture, are driven by vibrant industrial activities in the province.