APR’s Vision for a Thriving Textile Hub | Asia Pacific Rayon Skip to main content

Djarot Handoko, Head of Corporate Communications, APR

Building a textile centre of excellence in Pangkalan Kerinci is part of APR’s long-term vision. While the bulk of Indonesian modest fashion currently originates in West and Central Java, many do not realise that Riau is becoming an emerging producer and a region teeming with opportunity. Recognising this, we have set our sights on transforming Pangkalan Kerinci into an emerging textile hub for businesses, communities, and people by 2030.

Transforming the region into a textile hub has its challenges. It will take tremendous effort to double or triple sales of textiles from Pangkalan Kerinci. To achieve this goal and create a shared space of limitless potential and opportunity, we must build appropriate infrastructure and ensure the community sees the potential of and benefits from our shared vision.

To begin this transformation, we must work with the people behind micro- and small businesses in the region. While there are many fledgling and full-fledged businesses in the local textile industry, we must pay particular attention to helping businesses owned and operated by women and youth. These two groups play an essential role in building a thriving textile hub by 2030 and will derive the most benefits from its activities. We are in the early stages of this journey and are mobilising support. We are also creating opportunities through programmes providing vocational training to youth, connecting small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) with textile markets, and building capacity that empowers women in Pangkalan Kerinci.

To build a thriving textile hub here, APR must connect all the players in our value chain, from the top-down and the ground-up. While building our centre of excellence, we will promote viscose rayon as the fabric of choice in Pangkalan Kerinci and across the textile industry. As knowledge and awareness grow, we hope to see increased consumer demand for rayon-based materials and fashions. This growth will have a ripple effect across the entire value chain, including rayon fibre and yarn producers, supplying mills, SMEs, and entrepreneurs. It will also create job opportunities for students who have received rayon and textile-related vocational training.

About: Djarot oversees government relations and community-based activities in Jakarta and Pangkalan Kerinci.