The future of fashion isn’t coming from Paris, Milan, or New York — it might just be born in Jakarta. The Indonesia Fashion Ecosystem Summit (IDFES) 2025 has returned, louder and bolder, with one big mission: to prove that Indonesian fashion is ready to go global.

With the theme “Next Gen Fashion: Innovate, Integrate, Impact”, this year’s summit is more than a stylish gathering. It’s a blueprint for turning Indonesia’s booming local fashion industry into a global player. And with post-pandemic momentum showing that 87% of Indonesian consumers now prefer local products (hello, data from Ipsos and BPS!), the timing couldn’t be hotter.

Breaking the 3C Barrier

Melinda Babyanna, CEO and Founder of TBF Consultant, points out three problems that have long held back local brands: Connection, Capital, and Capacity. In other words: not enough networks, not enough money, and not enough scale. Instead of just talking about it, IDFES is taking action. From curating ethical suppliers to running factory tours, from intensive masterclasses to global export prep, the summit is practically a bootcamp for brands who want to be world-ready.

Fashion 5.0: The New Era

Forget just “tech in fashion.” IDFES pushes the bigger concept of Fashion 5.0 — where people, planet, and profit are all linked. That means AI might help, but it’s the human touch and sustainable mindset that will define the future. In Melinda’s words: “Fashion is not just about clothes anymore. It’s about impact.”

Global Dreams, Local Roots

Pinterest Indonesia has jumped in to help small fashionpreneurs instantly set up online businesses, while SMK NU Banat Kudus is training the next wave of skilled workers to back up this growth. And the end goal? Not just runways and exhibitions, but real deals with international buyers — turning local labels into global names.

Since 2020, IDFES has helped over 300 brands level up, and now it’s aiming even higher. Imagine: Indonesian streetwear, ethical batik, or digital-native brands becoming the next big thing worldwide. It’s not impossible — it’s already in motion.

So here’s the real question: when Indonesian fashion finally breaks out on the world stage, will you be able to say you were there before it went mainstream?