SUARAKARYA.ID: The parade of decorated car carnival, crafts, and defile from various regions enlivened the celebration of the 44th Anniversary of the National Crafts Council (Dekranas) in Solo City, Central Java, on Wednesday (May 15, 2024). First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo (Jokowi) also participated in the float parade procession.

Riding a float shaped like Rajamala, Iriana Jokowi was accompanied by Dekranas Chairwoman Wury Ma’ruf Amin, Dekranas Daily Chairwoman Tri Tito Karnavian, Dekranas Anniversary and Expo Committee Chairwoman Loemongga Agus Gumiwang, several ministers' wives who are part of the OASE (Era Solidarity Action Organization) of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet, and the wife of Solo Mayor, Selvi Ananda. Iriana also distributed balls and balloons to the residents watching the float parade.

The float parade also received an award from the Indonesian Record Museum (MURI). The MURI record was awarded to Dekranas and Solo City as the organizers for the longest parade category.

The award was personally presented by MURI Founder Jaya Suprana to First Lady Iriana Jokowi. The award ceremony took place on the main stage of the float parade and defile for the 44th Dekranas Anniversary and the 52nd HKG PKK Anniversary. The main stage was particularly special as it was flanked by the locomotive and carriages of the Jaladara Tourist Train.

“In my opinion, this is also a world record, as such an event has never happened anywhere else, with so many decorated cars and such beautiful dances,” said Jaya Suprana after handing over the MURI award.

The float parade featured approximately 105 decorated vehicles and 1,250 defile participants on foot from various regions across Indonesia. Each float carried unique stories showcasing the distinctiveness of different regions.

Thousands of residents crowded along Jalan Slamet Riyadi, stretching from the Sriwedari area to Ngarsopuro Solo.

Previously, Dekranas Daily Chairwoman Tri Suswati Tito Karnavian stated that the 44th Dekranas Anniversary celebration was highlighted by the Indonesian Craft and Culture Carnival, also known as the float parade.

“It was attended by around 104 decorated vehicles and 1,250 participants from various regions, both from Dekranas and PKK across Indonesia,” she said. ***