Batang, August 22, 2025 — The Europe Today: Indonesia has secured its position as the world’s sixth-largest footwear exporter, with exports reaching USD 3.77 billion, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita announced on Thursday.
The minister delivered the statement at a shipping event for Converse shoes produced by PT Yih Quan Footwear Indonesia, operating in the Batang Industropolis Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
“This shows that Indonesia can produce shoes that meet international standards,” Kartasasmita said, citing the global success of Converse exports as proof of the country’s competitiveness.
He commended PT Yih Quan Footwear as a tangible example of successful investment in the Batang SEZ, emphasizing the dual impact of exports and job creation. Since February 2025, the footwear industry workforce has grown by approximately 35 percent compared to the previous year.
Kartasasmita underlined the government’s commitment to supporting the manufacturing sector through various incentives, including a five percent credit interest subsidy on industrial loans. He expressed confidence that Indonesia’s expanding role in global footwear supply chains would boost foreign exchange earnings and strengthen the economy.
“With the support of the Industropolis Special Economic Zone Batang, Indonesia is expected to become an increasingly important player in the global supply chain for world-class brand products,” he said.
On Thursday, PT Yih Quan Footwear shipped 20,000 pairs of Converse shoes to the United States and Australia. The company’s export destinations also include 37 other countries, such as Belgium, Mexico, and Canada.
Converse, a globally recognized brand owned by Nike, has long relied on Indonesian manufacturers to meet its production demands.
