中文Global Footwear Technology Congress Heads to Indonesia: UITIC 2027 Jakarta Promises Innovation, Networking, and a Spotlight on Asian Manufacturing
The International Union of Shoe Industry Technicians (UITIC) has announced that its 23rd International Congress will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from August 2 to 4, 2027. Organised in collaboration with KRISTA Exhibition and supported by APRISINDO (the Indonesian Footwear Association), the event promises to be a landmark gathering for the global footwear industry.
A Global Platform for Knowledge Exchange
“The choice of Indonesia reflects UITIC’s commitment to fostering an increasingly up-to-date exchange among the stakeholders that comprise the global footwear supply chain on trends, developments in design, and footwear manufacturing processes,” said Sergio Dulio, President of UITIC. “The UITIC Congress continues its international journey with precisely this objective: to create a global platform for exchange and shared growth for all stakeholders across the sector.”
Jakarta was selected as the host city at a time when Indonesia plays an increasingly important role in Asian manufacturing and industrial activity. The location is strategically relevant to discussions on footwear innovation, production technologies, and the sector’s future development.
A Three-Day Programme of Technical Content and Networking
The congress is positioned as a leading international forum for innovation and technology in the footwear industry, bringing together professionals, researchers, companies, technology suppliers, and sector representatives from across the global value chain. UITIC describes the new edition as continuing its work of promoting technical knowledge exchange and dialogue across the industry.
The programme will run over three days and combine technical content with international networking. It is expected to include visits to leading companies and organisations in Indonesia’s footwear and tanning industries, a congress day with expert speakers and thematic sessions, and a joint initiative across organisers linked to the opening of Indo Leather & Footwear Expo.
Dialogue, Best Practices, and Cross-Fertilisation
Dulio also stressed that dialogue between industrial cultures, access to best practices, and cross-fertilisation are becoming key to understanding the technological, manufacturing, and social transformations affecting the footwear industry.
The footwear industry is undergoing profound changes, from automation and robotics in manufacturing to sustainable materials and circular economy models. Indonesia, as one of the world’s largest footwear producers—home to major manufacturing hubs supplying global brands—offers a compelling backdrop for these discussions.
Indonesia’s Rising Prominence in Global Footwear
Indonesia has quietly but steadily consolidated its position as a major footwear manufacturing centre. The country offers a combination of relatively competitive labour costs, a large domestic market, and improving infrastructure. International brands have increasingly diversified their sourcing beyond China, and Indonesia has been a beneficiary of this trend.
The Indonesian government has also signalled its intent to move up the value chain, from basic footwear assembly to more sophisticated manufacturing, including the use of advanced materials and automated production lines. Hosting the UITIC Congress is both a recognition of Indonesia’s growing importance and an opportunity to showcase its capabilities to a global audience.
What to Expect in the Coming Months
Further details, including the official congress theme, scientific programme, participation procedures, and sponsorship opportunities, will be announced in the coming months. For industry professionals planning their 2027 calendars, the Jakarta congress represents a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the latest technological developments, network with peers from across the globe, and witness firsthand the dynamism of Southeast Asia’s footwear sector.
As the footwear industry navigates an era of rapid technological change, geopolitical shifts, and evolving consumer expectations, platforms like the UITIC Congress are more vital than ever. They provide a space for the exchange of ideas, the forging of partnerships, and the collective imagining of the industry’s future.
The choice of Jakarta is a reminder that the centre of gravity in global footwear manufacturing continues to shift towards Asia. For European and American industry stakeholders, engaging with this reality—understanding the technologies, the business models, and the regulatory environments shaping production in the region—is not optional. It is essential.
Source: World Footwear (June 24, 2026)
