SUARAKARYA.ID: First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officially opened the 44th Anniversary celebration of the National Crafts Council (Dekranas) at Alila Hotel, Solo City, Central Java (Jateng), on Wednesday (May 15, 2024). The event was attended by central Dekranas administrators, provincial and regional Dekranasda representatives, as well as the wives of ministers who are part of the Era Solidarity Action Organization (OASE) of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet.

Iriana Jokowi greeted the invited guests before delivering her speech. The First Lady praised the attendees for wearing kebaya and traditional attire from their respective regions. A total of 1,500 guests attended the event.

“I almost didn't recognize anyone because all the women here are wearing fabrics from their own regions,” Iriana remarked.

She commended the OASE women for wearing traditional fabrics and the guests for showcasing their region's distinctive attire on this special day.

“I would like to wish a happy 44th National Crafts Anniversary in 2024,” she said.

After her speech, Iriana Jokowi, accompanied by Dekranas Chairwoman Wurry Ma’ruf Amin, the 44th Dekranas Anniversary Committee Chairwoman Loemongga Agus Gumiwang, OASE Chairwoman Tri Tito Karnavian, Central Java Dekranasda Chairwoman Yushinta Dewi Nana Sudjana, and Solo City Dekranasda Chairwoman Selvi Ananda, officially inaugurated the event by striking a gong and cutting a ceremonial tumpeng (a traditional cone-shaped rice dish).

Meanwhile, Dekranas Chairwoman Wurry Ma’ruf Amin emphasized that Dekranas has been a key pillar in developing Indonesia's craft industry since its establishment 44 years ago.

“This long journey has been full of challenges, but also remarkable achievements. We have seen how Indonesian craft products have gained national and international recognition,” Wurry explained.

According to Wurry, this success is largely due to the contributions of artisans, designers, academics, the media, and SMEs, as well as support from the government and relevant institutions in promoting Indonesia's cultural wealth to the global stage.

“However, this journey is not without obstacles. Today, we face various dynamics that require us to continuously invest, collaborate, and adapt. The ongoing global economic turmoil is a test for all of us, but it also presents an opportunity to respond with creativity and resilience,” she added.

The Chairwoman of the Dekranas Expo 2024 Committee, Loemongga Agus Gumiwang, stated that the event serves as a platform for appreciation and cultural promotion, reflected in craft products that embody Indonesia's local wisdom.

“This year's theme is 'Growing Together to Advance the Nation's Heritage.' It reflects our commitment to realizing Dekranas' vision and mission, especially during the 2019-2024 administration, in preserving the nation's cultural products,” she said.

Loemongga also mentioned that a series of activities had been held since March, including training, mentoring, and workshops in collaboration with various ministries and institutions. The main event took place at Alila Hotel Solo.

“Additionally, there will be a parade featuring decorated craft and cultural floats, as well as an exhibition and expo at Pamedan Pura Mangkunegaran for four days, showcasing 250 booths of Indonesia's finest products, a Nusantara Culinary Stand, and consultation services for artisans,” she concluded.***