The sound of camera shutters could be heard from the photographers lined up in front of the stage. Three models then took turns strutting around showing various designs of Muslim clothing in Indonesia in white with various patterns.
This time, Jakarta will again be in the spotlight of the fashion world with the holding of Jakarta Muslim Fashion Week (JMFW) 2026 which will culminate on November 6-9, 2025 at Kartika Expo Balai Kartini, Jakarta.
As many as 100 designers are expected to be present with more than 1,000 brand collections. The target is to attract 8,000 visitors during the four-day event.
This fashion event carries the theme"Essential Lab" as an effort to strengthen the national Muslim fashion ecosystem while making Indonesia the world's Muslim fashion mecca.
"That is, from the lab, from the laboratory we will know everything. From there, everything will move. The beauty industry also moves. Fashion or clothing also moves, the industry, UMKM move to support developing the domestic market and also the export market," said Minister of Trade Budi Santoso at the launch or kick off of JMFW 2026 (12/8).
Budi emphasized the importance of creating an integrated Muslim fashion ecosystem starting from textile producers, UMKM, and purchasing power, all of which are inseparable.
"So, we want to showcase what our fashion trends will look like in the future. The goal is actually to create our fashion ecosystem in the future," he said.
In addition to encouraging the growth of the Muslim fashion industry, JMFW can encourage other sectors such as the cosmetics industry, accessories, and halal lifestyle.
The Muslim fashion industry is one of the sectors with great potential in the global market. The newly signed trade cooperation between Indonesia and Peru through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) provides a significant opportunity for apparel and textile products to penetrate the Latin American market.
The series of activities at the peak of the event will include 12 fashion parades,trade shows,talk shows,business matching, andaward shows.
According to the Trade Minister, JMFW 2026 can expand connectivity between fashion UMKM players and the global market through a business matching scheme facilitated by Indonesian trade representatives abroad.
The Muslim fashion industry is included in the scope of the halal industry in Indonesia, the growth of the halal industry in Indonesia is quite potential.
Based on data quoted from the Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH), the halal economy can increase Indonesia's gross domestic product (GDP) by US$ 5.1 billion or around Rp 72.9 trillion per year through export and investment opportunities. In addition, Indonesia is also the largest halal consumer market in the world because it has around 230 million Muslim residents.
Indonesia recorded exports of halal products worth US$ 41.42 billion, equivalent to Rp 673.90 trillion, for the period January to October 2024.
Targeting US$ 10 million transaction
Director General of National Export Development (PEN) of the Ministry of Trade Fajarini Puntodewi said, in organizing JMFW 2026, her party targets transactions to reach US $ 10 million or around Rp. 162 billion.
Previously, JMFW 2024 recorded a transaction value of US$ 20.4 million or exceeded the target set of US$ 3 million dollars.
"This event is always anticipated, there will certainly be transactions during the event and is expected to reach the US$ 10 million mark," he said.
The implementation of JMFW 2026 began with pre-event such as seminars, co-branding, and pitching facilitation between Muslim fashion industry players and international buyers.
Since it was first launched in 2021, JMFW has continued to record positive achievements. In 2024, JMFW successfully presented more than 239 local brands featuring more than 1,000 modest fashion collections.
Indonesia's Achievements
The organization of JMFW received quite a positive response from fashion designers, one of which was Kursien Karzai.
Kursien Karzai is a Muslim fashion designer known for her brand "Kursien Karzai Prive". She started her career in fashion in 2007.
Her collections are often inspired by natural landscapes and romantic moments such as the "Senja" collection which is inspired by the sun setting on the beach.
Kursien said that JMFW is Indonesia's achievement as the world's Muslim fashion mecca.
JMFW provides opportunities for designers and industry players to increase capacity through programs and wider market access. "The event is very good and grande, and can introduce Muslim fashion to the eyes of the world," she said.
According to her, JMFW also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the government, industry players, and related parties to encourage the growth of the Muslim fashion industry.
At JMFW 2025, Kursien Karzai presented a collection titled Ragazza that was inspired by the dynamic modern life.
Italian for Woman, Ragazza is a symbol of beauty, energy and a spirit that never fades. Ragazza is elegance synergized with comfort and a balance between a busy life and effortless style.
The fashion industry is growing rapidly
Economic observer and LPS Board of Commissioners 2023-2025 Lana Soelistianingsih said, the growth of the fashion industry in Indonesia is quite rapid, both Muslim and non-Muslim clothing.
The impact of the growth of the fashion industry on the economy is to create jobs, encourage consumption growth and expand the market. The fashion industry can also make Indonesia known to the world - as long as the products are creative and different.
The fashion industry can also make Indonesia known to the world - as long as the products are creative and different.
"The development of the fashion industry is quite advanced and growing, many industry players continue to provide the best product results," Lana told SUAR in Jakarta (12/8).
Lana requested that the government continue to monitor the development of the fashion industry because the fashion industry is a potential creative industry.
