Batik to Ecoprint, KAI-Assisted MSMEs Introduce Local Products at the 2026 INACRAFT Festival Yogyakarta
Micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) under guidance gained expanded market access through participation in the Road to INACRAFT Festival 2026 Yogyakarta edition held at Jogja Expo Center (JEC), 15–19 July 2026.
A dedicated booth was provided to showcase batik, ecoprint, fashion, bags, and accessories produced by the assisted MSMEs to visitors, prospective buyers, retailers, distributors, creative communities, as well as business partners. This presence is part of KAI’s development efforts to enable business actors to gain direct experience in introducing their products and building relationships with the market.
Vice President Corporate Communication KAI, Anne Purba, explained that the exhibition facilitation was designed to complement the development already received by MSMEs in product development and business management. Development needs to continue into meeting spaces with consumers and prospective business partners, where MSME actors can introduce product quality, receive feedback, understand market needs, and build networks that support business sustainability.
The KAI booth presented products that highlight local craftsmanship through batik techniques, ecoprint, textile processing, and fashion design. The arrangement of products in a single exhibition space provided an opportunity for visitors to recognize the character, production process, and cultural stories behind each work.
According to Anne, the benefits of expanded market access can reach the surrounding environment where MSMEs operate. Each product is connected to artisans, tailors, fabric and dye suppliers, packaging makers, product photographers, and delivery service providers. When opportunities for orders and partnerships open up, business actors have greater space to maintain production continuity, sustain the involvement of local labor, and increase economic activity around their business locations. Anne added that what KAI strengthens is the business ecosystem, so when MSME actors gain broader market access, the benefits can return to families, workers, suppliers, and communities around their businesses.
Participation in the INACRAFT Festival Yogyakarta continues the series of MSME development programs carried out by KAI throughout 2026. On 23–25 June 2026, KAI collaborated with the Export Human Resource Development Center and Trade Services (PPEJP), BPSDMP of the Ministry of Trade, to provide export initiation training to 20 assisted MSMEs. Through the training, participants received provisions on improving product quality, price calculation, adjustment of labels and packaging, product adaptation to target market needs, as well as promotion to prospective international buyers.
In the first quarter of 2026, KAI also involved eight MSMEs in The 26th Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair or INACRAFT 2026. This participation provided promotional space, experience in interacting with visitors, as well as opportunities to build new business networks.
The series of programs connects capacity building with market access. MSME actors gain knowledge to organize their products, then are given space to test consumer responses and introduce their products to potential partners.
MSME development is part of the economic development pillar in KAI’s Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program. The program includes KAI Certified to support certification, KAI Next Class for business development, KAI Creative Space to provide promotional space, KAI Exhibition for exhibition facilitation, as well as the MSME Funding Program. Anne stated that each business has different needs, some need to strengthen product standards, improve packaging, organize administration, expand promotion, or meet prospective buyers, therefore KAI structures development through complementary stages so that MSME actors are increasingly ready to seize opportunities.
The Road to INACRAFT Festival 2026 Yogyakarta edition carries the theme “Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana: Cultural Crafts for World Harmony.” This theme relates to the role of crafts in preserving cultural values while also providing economic opportunities for society. Batik and ecoprint carry design values, technical knowledge, as well as traditions passed down through generations. When products gain promotional space, the skills of artisans also receive appreciation and broader market opportunities.
The results of interactions during the exhibition will become evaluation material for MSMEs in product development, marketing strategies, and managing relationships with prospective partners. KAI also encourages business actors to maintain consistent quality and production readiness when obtaining order opportunities.
Anne concluded by stating that KAI aims to open more space for local products to meet the right market. From capacity building, promotion, exhibitions, to the development of business networks, all processes are directed at strengthening the independence of MSME actors and expanding economic benefits for society.