The National Craft Council (Dekranas) is making efforts to create and foster new entrepreneurs by developing authentic Bangka Belitung (Babel) crafts, promoting them, and expanding market access both online and offline. This was stated by Dekranas Chairperson Wury Ma’ruf Amin while opening the e-Smart IKM Workshop for 200 artisans in Bangka Belitung Province at Gale-Gale Restaurant, Bangka Tengah, Babel, on Thursday (February 27).

"This event is a form of partnership between Dekranas and the government, both central and regional, in this case, the Province of Bangka Belitung,” said Wury.

The workshop is also expected to drive the growth of the craft industry by enhancing value and competitiveness, ultimately positioning the industry for export markets.

During the workshop, the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) introduced Industry 4.0 technology to 100 civil servants (ASN) from the Babel provincial government.

The event also included a technical training session on pewter product design (a signature metal craft from Babel) for 20 artisans and the handover of casting machines and equipment for pewter craft businesses in Bangka Belitung.

"We express our gratitude to the Ministry of Industry for organizing the e-Smart IKM Workshop, introducing Industry 4.0 technology, and providing technical training and equipment for pewter product development,” Wury stated.

"We hope the participants continue to innovate and create for the progress and prosperity of artisans in Bangka Belitung,” she added.

Wury also explained that the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) provided technical guidance on strengthening local products (food and beverages) for 100 MSMEs, along with training on hotel sandal-making for 20 MSMEs. Additionally, the ministry distributed trade support facilities, including carts, cool boxes, and market tents, to businesses in Pangkalpinang City, Bangka Selatan, Belitung, and Bangka.

"Collaboration among stakeholders is essential to implementing strategic programs that position the craft industry as an economic driver, improving the livelihoods of artisans,” Wury emphasized.

According to Wury, crafts are a key sector of the creative industry, significantly contributing to the national economy.

"The craft industry, dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises (IKM), continues to grow, generating substantial employment opportunities,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Bangka Belitung Provincial Craft Council (Dekranasda Babel), Melati Erzaldi Rosman, stated, "Dekranasda plays a role in helping the government formulate policies in the craft sector, encouraging artisans to be creative, innovative, open-minded, and capable of seizing opportunities.”

In the modern era, she added, technology has transformed consumer behavior and lifestyles from conventional to digital. This presents a serious challenge for craft industry players.

As a result, artisans must stay updated with technology. The number of craft businesses in Babel has grown to 1,416 units, producing traditional crafts based on local wisdom, including cual weaving, pewter, satam stone, resam caps, batik, knitting, and weaving.

Melati noted that Dekranasda is addressing these modern challenges through strategic programs that involve multiple stakeholders in developing the craft sector from upstream to downstream.

"We have taken concrete steps by aggressively branding cual fabric. Additionally, we have facilitated skill development for artisans through training and mentoring programs, while consistently involving them in national exhibitions such as Inacraft and Kriyanusa as promotional and marketing platforms,” she explained.

On this occasion, Melati expressed gratitude for the visit of Dekranas Chairperson Wury Ma’ruf Amin and her delegation to Bangka Belitung.

"We hope that Madam Wury Ma’ruf Amin’s visit brings a positive impact on Babel’s artisans,” she concluded.

Source: MediaIndonesia.com