Thanks to a growing domestic consumption, the GDP of Indonesia is forecasted to grow six to seven-percent over the next year, far outpacing its regional neighbors who are still coping with the effects of a global recession.

Much of the business is coming from a demand for high-end merchandise, as an ex-Pat population continues to grow and foreign investors begin to look at Indonesia as a viable region for growth. Formerly a Dutch colony known for its European supplies, Indonesia is now joining powerhouses like Turkey, China and India as relatively new sources of home textiles while Europeans and American markets continue to dominate contract, hospitality and performance fabrics.

“An important trend in the upholstery line is a shift from Chenille to Velvets while demand for out-door furniture, performance fabrics increase,” said Ashok Nanwani, owner of Jakarta-based Amardeep Interior Collections.

Although 2008 and 2009 were difficult for Amardeep, the company seized the opportunity to change strategies, expand wholesale operations and limit retailing.

Amardeep serves hundreds of retailers domestically and has extended its activities to Singapore and Malaysia as well. It caters to home textile retailers as well as those in the contract space.

Read the entire story in our spring issue here