BERITAMAGELANG.ID – The National Craft Council (Dekranas) of Indonesia recognizes the need for a platform that enables public participation to assist the government, particularly in developing the craft industry to support tourism in five super-priority destinations: Toba, Borobudur, Likupang, Mandalika, and Labuan Bajo.

"The craft industry plays a crucial role in national development, serving as a means to equalize income distribution, create new businesses, and preserve national culture,” said Nanny Hadi Tjahjono, Deputy Chairperson II of Dekranas, during a virtual speech broadcasted at Omah Mbudur, Jowahan, Wanurejo Village, Borobudur District, Magelang Regency, on Sunday (September 27, 2020).

The National Craft Council (Dekranas) of Indonesia launched the Entrepreneurial Skills Training (PKW) program in Borobudur. The training was attended by 1,000 participants, with 200 individuals from each destination: Toba, Borobudur, Likupang, Mandalika, and Labuan Bajo. This initiative aims to foster new entrepreneurs who will contribute to Indonesia’s economic growth.

PKW participants at KSPN Borobudur included 200 individuals from Magelang Regency and City. The program ran from September 27 to 31, 2020, involving learning centers such as PKBM Ngudi Ilmu Salaman Magelang, SMK Al Huda Salaman, SMK Syubbanul Wathon Tegalrejo, SMK Maarif Salam, Sanggar Kinnara Kinnari Borobudur, the Large Family of POLRI’s Sons and Daughters in Central Java, Magelang Resort, and the Economic Institution of Nahdlatul Ulama PCNU Magelang Regency.

According to Nanny Hadi Tjahjanto, Dekranas has been running for four decades, upholding a noble vision of supporting Indonesia’s economic independence by developing the craft sector based on creativity, local wisdom, high-added value, and competitiveness—both domestically and internationally—as a driving force for exports.

Indonesia has entered the era of Industry 4.0, marked by digitalization and automation. However, not all societal elements are aware of the logical consequences and impacts of these changes, including in the craft sector.

Therefore, Dekranas is taking the initiative to encourage all craft entrepreneurs to be more aware and creative in the Industry 4.0 era by promoting non-formal and vocational education sectors to align curricula with the current demands and conditions, including in the craft industry.

This curriculum will provide access for the millennial generation to acquire knowledge and training in the craft field, enabling them to become competitive and productive entrepreneurs who utilize modern technology. "Through this training, we hope to foster new entrepreneurs who will bring pride to Indonesia,” Nanny explained.

The PKW program offers education through courses and training to equip participants with knowledge, skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset, helping them manage their potential and environment for business opportunities. The curriculum includes skill-building, entrepreneurship materials, craft techniques based on technology, and business startups that emphasize information and computer technology.

Meanwhile, Endang Budi Karya Sumadi, Head of the New Entrepreneurs Division at Dekranas, stated in a virtual speech that the organization is committed to synergizing programs for fostering new entrepreneurs by collaborating with other institutions. The goal is to encourage and increase public interest in entrepreneurship.

"This initiative aims to explore and utilize local resources in designated areas that the government has identified as five super-priority tourism destinations. The synergy program will be implemented in Borobudur to create new entrepreneurs,” he explained.

Considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that the program spans five destinations, the implementation will require approval from local health authorities and must adhere to COVID-19 prevention protocols.

Siti Atikoh Ganjar Pranowo, Chairperson of Dekranasda Central Java, in a speech delivered by Peni Rahayu, Executive Chairperson of Dekranasda Central Java, noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected various sectors, including MSMEs, cooperatives, and small industries in Central Java.

However, many cooperatives and small industries with strong entrepreneurial spirit have turned these challenges into opportunities. "Money and opportunities still exist, but priorities have shifted. We must adjust our business models and strategies by engaging with existing communities,” she said.

Through the PKW program and craft training, it is hoped that small industry players will be motivated to be more creative, innovative, and productive in growing their businesses despite the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling them to compete with the many products available in marketplaces today.

Source: http://beritamagelang.id/