Indonesia plans Windownesia stores in Turkiye, Saudi Arabia: minister

Jakarta, October 15 (ANTARA) - State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister Erick Thohir has said that the government is planning to open Windownesia stores in Turkiye and Saudi Arabia after successfully launching a store in Perth on October 11, 2023.

Windownesia is a store that showcases domestic products in foreign countries with the aim of introducing Indonesia to a wider community.

"Many Indonesian citizens also travel to Turkiye and Saudi Arabia. They will be proud to see our domestic products in the international market," the minister informed at a press conference at Sarinah Building in Jakarta on Saturday.

According to him, by opening more Windownesia stores in other countries, the government is hoping to promote and stoke demand for Indonesian brands in the international market.

The minister also advised PT Sarinah to maintain the sustainability of Windownesia to support domestic micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in raising the visibility of their products in the global market.

"Indonesian products are as good as foreign products. Our MSMEs also have international standards," Thohir asserted.

He said that Windownesia is a form of Indonesian cultural diplomacy and a real form of SOE support for developing MSMEs. SOEs are also providing access to funding, assistance, and market access to MSMEs, as well as brand improvement support.

Meanwhile, the president director of state-owned retail company PT Sarinah, Fetty Kwartati, said that Windownesia's presence in Saudi Arabia and Turkey would open opportunities for foreign countries to learn about Indonesia.

"It can be found in the form of food or other products. People can have a better understanding of Indonesia and hopefully, plan a trip to visit Indonesia as well," she added.

According to her, the establishment of Windownesia's store in Perth, Australia, is the result of a five-year collaboration between PT Sarinah and Dufry International AG, with a possibility for extension.

MSME products sold at Windownesia are chosen selectively and come from a number of leading categories and brands in Indonesia, such as luwak coffee, tea, and essential oils, she said.

MSME products sold at the Windownesia Store are those that have at least entered the Sarinah Store and duty-free stores, and usually come in improved design and quality. It is hoped that MSMEs will be motivated to improve the quality of their products to reach a wider market.

In addition, products sold at Windownesia must meet export standards and require a license, she continued.