SOLO, jatengnetwork.com – Marked by the striking of a gong, First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officially opened the 44th anniversary of the National Crafts Council (Dekranas) at Alila Hotel Solo on the morning of Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

Iriana Jokowi struck the gong eight times and cut a traditional tumpeng rice cone in front of hundreds of representatives from Dekranasda management across Indonesia.

Iriana, who also serves as the Advisory Board Chair of Dekranas, was amazed by the attendees at the 44th-anniversary opening ceremony.

She was surprised to see several Oase KIM figures and guests dressed in various traditional fabrics from different regions of Indonesia.

"When I entered, I was amazed because all the women here are wearing their respective traditional fabrics from their regions. On this special day, I would like to wish a happy 44th anniversary to Dekranas. I officially open the 2024 Dekranas Expo,” said Iriana Jokowi in her speech.

The Chairperson of Dekranas, Wury Estu Handayani, also known as Wury Ma’ruf Amin, stated that since its establishment 44 years ago, the National Crafts Council (Dekranas) has been a crucial platform for developing the craft industry in Indonesia.

Dekranas has continuously guided Indonesian artisans towards national and international recognition with their creative products.

"Dekranas has been a key pillar in developing Indonesia’s craft industry. This long journey has been full of challenges but has also been accompanied by remarkable achievements,” said Wury Ma’ruf Amin.

"We have seen how Indonesian craft products have gained attention and recognition at both national and international levels,” she emphasized in her speech.

Wury added that in this era of globalization, Dekranas continues to evolve to meet the market’s dynamic demands. The creativity and perseverance of Indonesian artisans are crucial in facing global competition.

"We face various dynamics that require us to keep innovating, collaborating, and adapting. The current global economic conditions pose a challenge for us all. However, at the same time, this is also an opportunity to advance Indonesia’s craft industry with creativity and resilience,” she explained.

She stated that Dekranas is committed to continuously supporting Indonesian artisans in improving product quality, developing innovative designs, and expanding market access.

"With cooperation and synergy from all parties, Indonesia’s craft industry is expected to continue growing and become a national pride,” said Wury.

The series of events for the 44th anniversary of Dekranas in Solo began on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, with a dinner hosted by Iriana Jokowi and Oase KIM at Pracima Tuin.

On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, the events continued with the opening ceremony at Alila Hotel Solo, followed by a parade of decorated floats featuring crafts and culture from across Indonesia, traveling from Sriwedari Stadium to Pamedan Mangkunegaran.

On Thursday, May 16, 2024, Iriana Jokowi is scheduled to attend an exhibition or expo at Pamedan Mangkunegaran. (*)