Indonesia’s leather industry makes plea for restoration of imports
The Indonesian Leather Industry Association has appealed to the government to remove the ban on imports of leather and hides in order to avoid the decimation of the country’s leather industry. The request was made in conjunction with the National Industry and Commerce Association and reflects a growing feeling of desperation in the sector.
In April 2001 the Indonesian government declared a ban on all imports of raw hide and wet blue due to the foot and mouth epidemic. The move was strongly opposed by the Indonesian leather industry as 60% of raw material supply is sourced from outside the country.
The problems associated with poor supply have had their effect with a shortage of leather leading to a lot of shoe-making and leather goods making factories having to cut back production, putting at risk the jobs of 56,000 people that work in the leather industry.
