Inacraft Festival 2026 opens in Yogyakarta, aiming to introduce Indonesian crafts to global market

Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is hosting the prestigious Inacraft Festival 2026, the largest handicraft exhibition in Southeast Asia, for the first time in its 27-year history. The event, held at the Jogja Expo Center (JEC) from July 15-19, 2026, was officially opened by the Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, alongside officials from the Association of Indonesian Handicraft Exporters and Producers (ASEPHI).

Under the theme 'Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana: Cultural Crafts for World Harmony,' the festival seeks to serve as a platform for promoting Indonesian crafts and strengthening the industry's presence in international markets. Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X emphasized that the presence of international delegates underscores handicrafts as a universal language that transcends cultural and national boundaries. He elaborated that the chosen theme embodies a Javanese philosophy focused on maintaining and enhancing global harmony.

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The presence of delegates from abroad today is tangible proof that handicrafts are not merely economic products, but a universal language capable of breaking down national and cultural barriers.

"The presence of delegates from abroad today is tangible proof that handicrafts are not merely economic products, but a universal language capable of breaking down national and cultural barriers," the Governor stated during his opening remarks. He further explained that the philosophy of 'Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana' teaches the importance of beautifying and preserving harmony in the world, a principle reflected in the meticulous craftsmanship, patience, and respect for materials and traditions inherent in creating handicraft works.

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The philosophy of 'Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana' contains the teaching to always beautify and maintain the harmony of the world.

Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X also commended ASEPHI for its consistent organization of the Inacraft festival over two decades, expressing Yogyakarta's pride in being part of this journey and its commitment to reinforcing its position as a leading destination for crafts, culture, and tourism globally. He noted that hosting such an international event aligns with the government's efforts to foster a creative economy rooted in local wisdom, serving as a strategic bridge to introduce Indonesia's rich heritage to the global market and create sustainable trade opportunities for artisans and small to medium-sized enterprises.

Muchsin Ridjan, Chairman of ASEPHI, stated that holding the Inacraft Festival 2026 in Yogyakarta signifies the organization's initial step towards expanding its exhibition events to various regions across Indonesia.

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The government of the Special Region of Yogyakarta expresses high appreciation to the Association of Indonesian Handicraft Exporters and Producers for the consistency in organizing Inacraft for more than 2 decades. Yogyakarta is proud to be part of this long journey and is committed to continuously strengthening its position as a leading destination for crafts, culture, and tourism at the global level.