TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government of Yogyakarta is exploring a collaboration with Australia to strengthen the leather industry ecosystem.
"The main focus of this collaboration is to integrate the abundant raw materials from Australia with the technical skills and creative processing of leather, which are the characteristics of Yogyakarta," said the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, Siswo Pramono, after meeting with the Governor of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, at the Kepatihan Complex, Yogyakarta, Central Java, on Monday, March 30, 2026.
Siswo revealed that this initiative is a logical development from the longstanding trade relationship in the livestock sector between the two countries. He emphasized that the strong foundation of the Australia-Indonesia cattle trade should be directed towards strengthening the downstream industry.
Siswo mentioned that this plan has received the green light from the Australian Ministry of Industry and Innovation, which sees great potential in Yogyakarta as a traditional leather industry center in Indonesia.
"The cattle trade relationship between Australia and Indonesia is already advanced. This is a strong foundation to move further into its downstream industry," he said.
According to him, this collaboration will also involve the private sector, including business delegations and leather suppliers from Australia, as well as representatives of the Indonesian Tanning Association (APKI).
Prior to meeting the Sultan, the Australian delegations had conducted field visits to local industrial centers, including Ndalem Kulit Jogja.
The visit resulted in plans to use raw materials of wet blue leather from Australia, which will be processed into various value-added products, ranging from handicrafts to cultural instruments such as leather puppets (wayang kulit).
The Head of the Department of Industry and Trade (Disperindag) of Yogyakarta, Yuna Pancawati, explained that each layer of leather has different economic potential when handled by someone with the right skills.
The absorption of international quality raw materials is believed to strengthen the competitiveness of local products internationally.
"Each part of the leather has different potential uses, ranging from the outer layer to the inner layer. This can be developed into various high-value products," she said.
Yuna believes that this collaboration will impact not only the Yogyakarta economy, but also have the potential to stimulate growth in similar industries in Central and East Java. It will also create new job opportunities and establish a sustainable leather industry ecosystem through strengthening the supply chain from raw materials to finished products.
Read: Indonesia Keeps Fuel Prices Steady as Pertamina Absorbs Cost of Oil Surge
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
2026 Eid Travel: Intercity Train Passengers Surge in Yogyakarta Stations
10 hari lalu
Indonesia's state-owned railway company KAI records a surge in sales of train tickets during the Eid holiday season in Yogyakarta.
Yogyakarta Airports See Surge of Passengers Ahead of 2026 Eid Travel
15 hari lalu
Yogyakarta airport authorities have prepared 43 additional flights consisting of 24 arrival flights and 19 departures.
Rising Measles Cases in Yogyakarta Raise Concerns
17 hari lalu
Cases of measles in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, have shown a significant upward trend in the recent period.
Indonesia Braces for 30% Spike in Fuel Demand Ahead of Eid
18 hari lalu
PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Central Java expects gasoline demand to increase in Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta to Close During Nyepi
19 hari lalu
Prambanan Temple will be the center of national worship for the Tawur Agung Kesanga ceremony on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Yogyakarta Hotels May Face Sanctions Over Excessive Eid Holiday Rates
19 hari lalu
Yogyakarta is expected to be visited by 8.2 million people, consisting of travelers and tourists. Hotels are urged to implement price limits.
Mount Merapi Erupts Twice, Sending Hot Clouds Southwest
23 hari lalu
Today's activity of Mount Merapi is a continuation of a volcanic trend observed since late February.
Hindu Worshipers Flock to Ngobaran Beach for Melasti Purification
28 hari lalu
The Melasti ceremony is a purification ritual for individuals and the universe before the observance of Nyepi.
'Police Reform Is Fruitless': Maluku Student's Death Triggers Protest in Yogyakarta
35 hari lalu
Protesters flocked to the headquarters of Yogyakarta Regional Police in response to the death of a student in Tual, Maluku.
Yogyakarta Steps Up Cultural Heritage Protection
41 hari lalu
One of the tourist attractions of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) lies in its diverse and well-preserved cultural heritage.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5491263/original/038261600_1770089716-wehrmann_j.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5390165/original/033586000_1761235850-Persib_Bandung_1.jpeg)