First Lady Iriana Jokowi officially opened the peak celebration of the 44th anniversary of the National Crafts Council (Dekranas) at Alila Hotel Solo on Wednesday (May 15).
The event was attended by thousands of people, including Dekranas board members from 38 provinces, PKK Chairpersons from various regencies and cities across Indonesia, as well as the wives of ministers who are part of the Indonesian Cabinet's Solidarity Action Organization (OASE KIM).
Iriana Jokowi at the Dekranas Anniversary event in Solo. Source: kumparan
The event was inaugurated by Iriana with a gong strike and a traditional tumpeng cutting ceremony, which she handed over to Dekranas Chairperson Wury Ma’ruf Amin.
Selvi and Kahiyang Ayu Join the Dance
Singers Judika and Rossa entertained the audience. Solo's PKK Chairperson, Selvi Ananda, and Kahiyang Ayu joined in dancing to popular songs such as “Ojo Dibandingke” and “Rungkad.”
Iriana's daughter, Kahiyang Ayu, with participants at the Dekranas Anniversary event in Solo. Source: kumparan
Iriana expressed her surprise at seeing the women attending the event in their traditional attire.
“I was amazed because all the women wore their own regional fabrics. On this special day, I would like to wish a happy 44th anniversary to the National Crafts Council,” Iriana said briefly in her speech on stage.
Iriana's daughter-in-law, Selvi Ananda, at the Dekranas Anniversary event. Source: kumparan
Decorated Car Parade
The event featured a decorated car parade on Jalan Slamet Riyadi on Wednesday (May 15) and the Dekranas Expo, held from Wednesday to Saturday (May 15-18) at Pura Mangkunegaran Exhibition Hall. A total of 257 booths showcased curated crafts from various provinces.
Raffi Ahmad and Ayu Dewi as hosts at the Dekranas Anniversary event. Source: kumparan.
Wury Ma’ruf Amin stated that Dekranas serves as a platform for developing Indonesia’s craft industry, which has a long history filled with challenges and achievements.
“Everyone knows that Indonesian crafts have garnered national and international attention. This success is due to the contributions of artisans, designers, media, MSME players, the government, and relevant institutions in promoting Indonesian products on the global stage,” said Wury.
She added that the global economic climate presents challenges, requiring creativity and resilience to enhance the quality of Indonesian crafts and expand market networks for export.
“Craftsmanship must embrace environmental sustainability, improve welfare, and ensure regeneration,” Wury emphasized.
