Report by TribunSolo.com Journalist, Andreas Chris Febrianto Nugroho

TRIBUNSOLO.COM, SOLO – The 44th Anniversary of the National Craft Council (Dekranas) was celebrated with great enthusiasm this year.

The city of Solo was chosen as the host for the peak event of this year’s Dekranas anniversary celebrations.

The main event began with the striking of a gong by First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo (Jokowi), who serves as the advisor for Dekranas, along with the Chairperson of Dekranas, Wury Ma’ruf Amin.

According to TribunSolo.com's observations at the scene, the event was attended by around a thousand participants, including members of Oase Kabinet Indonesia Maju.

Iriana Jokowi arrived at the venue at around 10:00 AM, accompanied by several members of Oase Kabinet Indonesia Maju.

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Wearing a pinkish-orange or salmon-colored kebaya, Iriana Jokowi looked graceful, accompanied by several Oase KIM members and her daughter-in-law, Selvi Ananda, who followed closely behind her.

For information, the peak event of the 44th Dekranas Anniversary was held over three days in Solo.

One of the most anticipated segments of the event was the cultural parade featuring 104 decorated cars and a contingent of 1,250 PKK members from across Indonesia, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of Dekranasda Central Java (Jateng), Shinta Nana Sudjana, expressed deep gratitude that Jateng and Solo were chosen to host the country’s largest annual event for artisans.

The Executive Chairperson of Dekranas, Loemongga Agus Gumiwang, also provided an update on the committee’s preparations for the 44th Dekranas Anniversary celebrations.

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Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Dekranas, Wury Ma’ruf Amin, in her speech, expressed pride in Dekranas's achievements since its inception.

“The National Craft Council has been one of the main pillars in developing Indonesia’s craft industry since it was established 44 years ago. This long journey has been full of challenges,” she said.

“However, it has also been full of achievements that make us proud. We have witnessed how Indonesian craft products have gained attention and recognition both nationally and internationally. This success is due to the contributions of artisans, designers, academics, the media, and SMEs, as well as the support of the government and relevant institutions in promoting Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage,” added Wury.

Nevertheless, Wury also highlighted the ongoing global challenges.

For this reason, she urged local artisans to continuously develop their skills and improve their product quality.

“However, this journey is not without obstacles. Today, we face various dynamics that require us to continue innovating, collaborating, and adapting. The ongoing global economic turmoil is a test for all of us, but it also presents opportunities to respond with creativity and resilience,” Wury explained.

“Ladies and gentlemen, for that reason, we must keep developing our skills, maintaining product quality, and expanding our marketing networks—not just domestically, but also internationally. Equally important, we must also consider environmental sustainability, the welfare of artisans, and the regeneration of the craft industry by addressing all these aspects,” she added.

“We hope to preserve our national heritage properly. Let us continue to grow together, inspire one another, and elevate our cultural heritage to greater heights in line with this year’s Dekranas Anniversary theme: ‘Grow Together, Advance the Nation’s Heritage,’” she concluded.

During the event, Iriana was also given the honor of striking the gong and cutting the ceremonial tumpeng to officially commence the series of events celebrating the 44th Dekranas Anniversary. (*)

This article was originally published on TribunSolo.com with the title “Graceful in Kebaya, Here’s the Portrait of First Lady Iriana and Selvi Ananda at the Dekranas Peak Celebration in Solo,” https://solo.tribunnews.com/2024/05/15/anggun-berkebaya-ini-potret-ibu-negara-iriana-dan-selvi-ananda-di-perayaan-puncak-dekranasdi-solo.

Author: Andreas Chris Febrianto | Editor: Ryantono Puji Santoso