Solo, Suronews.com – The 44th Anniversary of the National Craft Council (Dekranas) and the 52nd Anniversary of the Family Welfare Empowerment Movement (PKK HKG) will be celebrated festively in Solo, Central Java, from May 15-18, 2024. First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo and the wife of Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, Wury Ma’ruf Amin, will attend both events.

The Executive Chairperson of Dekranas, Tri Suswati Tito Karnavian, stated that Solo had been chosen as the venue for the 44th Dekranas Anniversary since May of last year. The host of the event is the Dekranasda of Central Java Province.

"We will invite all administrators, including the First Lady, the Chairwoman of Dekranas, Mrs. Wury Ma’ruf Amin, along with the members of the Organization of Solidarity Action for the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet (OASE KIM), central Dekranas administrators, as well as the heads of Dekranas and PKK leaders from across Indonesia,” said Tri Tito Karnavian to the media at the Lobby of Sriwedari Stadium, Laweyan, Solo, Central Java, on Sunday (12/5/2024).

Tri added that the 44th Dekranas Anniversary and the 52nd PKK HKG commemoration were held together for efficiency in terms of time and venue.

"The Dekranas Anniversary is celebrated every March 3, and the PKK HKG every March 4. Since I am both the Executive Chairperson of Dekranas and the Chairperson of PKK, for efficiency in all aspects, we decided to hold both events in the same place and at the same time in Solo,” explained Tri.

Furthermore, Tri mentioned that this year’s celebration would be significantly different from last year’s in Medan, North Sumatra. This time, the event will feature a variety of activities that will attract a larger crowd, including parades, exhibitions, and cultural performances.

"The event will be held from May 15-18, 2024, but on the evening of May 14, 2024, there will be a welcome dinner at Pracima Tuin Mangkunegaran, attended by First Lady Iriana Jokowi and Vice President’s wife, Wury Ma’ruf Amin,” she said.

When asked why Solo was chosen as the venue, Tri explained that Solo is easily accessible from various regions across Indonesia and has the necessary infrastructure to host a large-scale event.

"Previously, such events were mostly held in Jakarta. However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely affected artisans in the regions, we decided to hold it in Medan last year. After that, the Central Java Provincial Government requested that the next host be Central Java, specifically Solo, so we are organizing it here,” she explained.

On this occasion, Tri also apologized to the people of Solo, as the city would be crowded with visitors from all over Indonesia during the event. She also hoped that the local community would enjoy and participate in the 44th Dekranas Anniversary and the 52nd PKK HKG celebration.

Here is the schedule for the 44th Dekranas Anniversary in Solo:

1. Thanksgiving and opening of the Dekranas Anniversary Expo at Alila Hotel Solo, Wednesday (15/5/2024).

2. Parade of decorated vehicles, crafts, and culture at Sriwedari Stadium - Solo City Hall, Wednesday (15/5/2024).

3. Nusantara textile fashion show at Taman Sriwedari, Solo, Wednesday (15/5/2024).

4. Expo of MSME products supported by Dekranas and Dekranasda at Pamedan Pura Mangkunegaran, Wednesday – Saturday (15-18/5/2024).

5. Grand night of the PKK Family Welfare Empowerment Movement Anniversary at Pamedan Pura Mangkunegaran, Thursday (16/5/2024).

6. City tour in Solo, Friday (17/5/2024).

7. Closing ceremony of the Dekranas Anniversary at Pamedan Pura Mangkunegaran, Saturday (18/5/2024).

Here is the schedule for the 52nd PKK HKG celebration in Solo:

1. National Jamboree for PKK Cadres, May 14-16, 2024, from 09:00 until completion.

2. National PKK Choir Competition, featuring PKK representatives from all provinces, May 14, 2024, at Balekambang Arts Hall.

3. Cooking competition using local non-rice carbohydrate sources, May 14, 2024, at the Gastronomy Building, involving PKK Provincial Board members.

4. Creative Handwashing Dance Competition with six steps, participated by PKK Provincial Board representatives, May 14, 2024, at Amphitheater Puro Mangkunegaran.

5. Welcome Dinner for all participants and invited guests, May 14, 2024, from 19:00 – 21:00 at Pracima Tuin Pura Mangkunegaran.

6. Nusantara Cultural Parade Competition, May 16, 2024, from 14:30 – 18:00, featuring 25 participants from each province. The parade starts at Sriwedari Stadium and ends at Solo City Hall.

7. "Gelari Pelangi” Jingle Creation Competition at Taman Balekambang, May 16, 2024, from 08:00 until completion, involving PKK Provincial Board representatives.

8. PKK Knowledge Quiz Competition for PKK Provincial Board representatives, May 16, 2024, from 08:00 until completion at the Gastronomy Building.

9. Grand Finale of the 52nd PKK HKG Celebration, featuring winner announcements and awards for outstanding programs and activities, May 16, 2024, from 18:00 until completion at Taman Balekambang. (SR/HMS)